Reflections
Part of the uniqueness of our Episcopal Church is that we understand that the primary ecclesiastical unit of our church is not the local congregation. Rather, unlike most other denominations, we live in a multi congregation unit -called a diocese- as our foundational ecclesiastical structure. Thus, Nativity is connected to St. Peter’s, Oxford, and St. Mark’s, Gulfport, and St. Andrew’s Cathedral and 90 other congregations and ministries in a truly organic way.
Like our relationship with our families of origin, this organic relationship is part of what gives us our deepest identity. Of course, local congregations have their own unique personalities and operate on a semi-independent basis( at least when all is going well!), but we are bound to one another and woven together in ways both seen and unseen. The health and vibrancy of each of our congregations impacts our common life all in ways that were very clear to me when I served as bishop.
The chief priest and pastor for the diocese is the bishop( from the Greek word for “overseer”) who is the symbol of our unity and the vehicle through which our various combined ministries are lived out. This brings me to the point of these Refections.
The Diocese of Mississippi is in the midst of a search and election of a new bishop, Bishop Seage having announced his retirement effective February 2024. In preparation for this election a formal Search Committee has gathered information in a variety of ways and compiled what is called a”Diocesan Profile”that seeks to describe who we are as the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi, and what kind of person we are looking for as our next bishop. The profile can be found at msbishopssearch.com. It is well worth your time to read the document to understand the ways we, at Nativity, are connected to the other Episcopal ministries in Mississippi and what is the common culture we share. If you are interested in nominating a priest for bishop, the form is also available there.
Finally, at its next meeting on August 8 the Mission Committee of Nativity will be selecting our Delegate(1) and Alternate(1) to represent Nativity when all the churches gather at Diocesan Council February 2-4 to elect the 11th Bishop of Mississippi. Robbie Fisher and Beth Mayeaux have been selected by the Mission Committee as our representatives at our last two Councils. If you would like to be considered by the Mission Committee for selection, please let me, or James McCormick, know.
Other Matters of Importance
Vicar Going With Family to the Beach-Clergy Substitutes
My annual trip with my family( all 16 of them) to Miramar Beach will take place over the next couple of weeks. Taking my place on two Sundays as celebrant and preacher will be two fine retired priests who are also good friends and trusted colleagues. The Rev. Taylor Moore, former rector at St. Peter’s, Oxford, will be serving July 16. The Rev. Christopher Powell, former rector at St. James, Jackson, and recently retired as rector of Christ Church, Winnetka, Illinois, will be at Nativity on July 23. Both are currently living in Oxford.
I know you will welcome them in the wonderful Spirit that blows through Nativity.
Sacred Ground Introductory Sessions: July 30, August 2 and August 6
For those who have expressed interest in participating in the “Sacred Ground-A Spiritual Journey of Race and Faith” course, please plan to join us for one of the introductory and orientation sessions: Sundays, July 30 and August 6(after worship) and at 5:30pm on August 2 at the TIN building (16 South Main).
At these sessions we will talk in detail about the course, including a review of the materials; discuss structure, meeting dates/ times and expectations for participants; and have participants formally register for the course.
These introductory sessions are very important for participants to know what they will be getting into. However, if you are sure that you want to participate, but cannot be at one of these sessions, please let me know, so that you can be formally registered.
Salt and Light Organizational Meeting- A Great Beginning!
More than a dozen folks joined together last Sunday afternoon to begin to organize the operation and ministries of our new Salt and Light Building. If you were not able to join us, but want to be a part of this organizational effort to make this building a resource to both Nativity and the wider community, please contact one of ministry “coordinators” listed below:
Children’s Ministry (Catechesis of the Good Shepherd)- April Hammonds
Management/Protocols/ Scheduling- Jack Barry
Decorating/ Room lay out- Alexe van Beuren
Fellowship and Hospitality- Juawice McCormick
Outreach- Mary Beth Pulsifer
New Treasurer Appointed- Robbie Fisher: Many Thanks to Kathryn York!
For the past two years Kathryn York has faithfully worked many long hours to organize our financial records and to create a system whereby her successor could move seamlessly into his/her role as Nativity’s next treasurer. Having accomplished this arduous, and often thankless, task, Kathryn is stepping down as our Treasurer. We all owe her great thanks and appreciation of a job well done!
At its July 11 meeting the Mission Committee formally appointed Robbie Fisher as the Church’s new Treasurer, effective August 8. Robbie has been meeting with Kathryn for a few weeks and will continue to do so in order to make the transition as smooth as possible. Thank you, Robbie, for agreeing to serve in this important way!
No newsletter next week. I’ll see you in church July 30!
Blessings and Peace,
Duncan
(601)260-1937
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