Reflections
During this week I have been in Alexandria, Virginia, to receive additional training for my work with a small group of clergy from the Diocese of South Carolina who, at their bishop’s request, have taken positions at churches who “seceded” from the Episcopal Church more than a decade ago over matters of human sexuality. After a decade of civil litigation the courts have returned all the property, confiscated by the secessionists, to the Episcopal Church. The challenge is that, whereas the physical plants now belong to the Episcopal Church, 75-80% of the members of the congregations have stayed with the secessionists.
Thus, the challenge of these clergy is to rebuild congregations that inhabit enormous and expensive facilities, as they begin with congregations 20-25% of their former sizes. It is an enormous challenge, and I am in awe of these men and this woman. Each has made enormous sacrifices to accept the call of Bishop Woodliff-Stanley. Each has given up positions of greater prominence and salary, or leisure( 2 have come out of retirement) for the good of the Episcopal Church in South Carolina. Each is very comfortable talking about their sense of hearing God’s call to do this work.
I would invite you to be in prayer with me for these very faithful clergy. I will be adding their names to our prayer list( something I should have done much earlier): Mike, Callie, Furman, Taylor and Chris. Their work is hard. Their passion and commitment is inspiring.
Other Matters of Importance
Guest Preacher This Sunday-The Reverend Giulianna Cappelletti Gray
On Sunday, June 17, our guest preacher at Nativity will be the Rev. Giulianna Cappelletti Gray from Sewanee, Tennessee. Giulianna is a native of West Virginia, served in New Orleans as Chaplain to students and faculty at Tulane and Loyola, was Rector of St. Stephen’s parish in Indianola, MS, and has worked in various capacities at the School of Theology in Sewanee. Recently, the Presiding Bishop appointed her as Chaplain to the spouses of the bishops of the Episcopal Church.
She also happens to be married to our son, Peter, and mother of two wonderful grandchildren- Joseph and Francesca. Giulianna and her entire family will be with us on Sunday. I hope you will join us!
Mission Committee to Meet Tuesday, June 20 at 6:00pm-Salt and Light Building
All Mission Committee meetings are open to any member of the congregation.
Vicar to Carry Supplies to Rolling Fork-July 29-Contributions Welcomed!
I will be traveling to Rolling Fork on Thursday, June 29, to make a delivery of supplies for that still devastated community. Supplies ( see below) can be brought to the church or to the Salt and Light Building for storage. Items requested: mops, brooms,sponges, 13 gallon trash bags, Solo cups, Ziplock bags, charcoal lighter fluid, Gatorade.
Small bottles of the following: Fabulosa, Spic and Span, Pine Sol, laundry detergent, bleach, dish washing liquid, Windex, and any kind of cleaning supplies.
Lastly, the following NEW items: pillows, sheets, blankets, towels and toys(basketballs, baseballs, soccer balls, baby dolls, stuffed animals, etc.).
If you would like for the United Way to purchase any of these items on your behalf, you may send your donation to United Way of West Central Mississippi;
WELCOME HOME project; 920 South Street; Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180.
One Rocking Chair Looking for a Sponsor!
Our Senior Warden, James McCormick, reports that there is only one “unclaimed” rocking chair for the Salt and Light building. A chair “sponsorship” costs $150, which includes a security cable, a small brass marker that can note an honoree. and limited priority rocking privileges! If you are interested in this once in a lifetime opportunity, please contact James (r200james@gmail.com).
Mark Your Calendars-“Sacred Ground” Introductory Sessions
Sunday, July 30(after church)
Wednesday, August 2 (5:30pm)
Sunday, August 6 ( after church)
On the above dates I will be holding introductory, question and answer sessions for those who may be interested in the “Sacred Ground” course that I will be facilitating in Water Valley during the fall semester. As a reminder, “Sacred Ground” is a spiritual journey of race and faith where participants look at the history of race in this country and the contemporary implications of that history. It is meant as an individual spiritual journey taken with a small group of fellow pilgrims.
See you in church on Sunday!
Blessings and Peace,
Duncan
(601)260-1937
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