/200301 by Episcopal Diocese of Upper SC

crosswalk the official publication of the Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina

Januar y 2003

Great Gathering garners attention from national press By Peggy Van Antwerp Hill

What’s even better than ending up on the by-now-proverbial cover of the Rolling Stone? What else but seeing the Great Gathering of our diocese featured as the cover story for the November 24, 2002, issue of The Living Church. And then, one week later, opening up the December issue of Episcopal Life to read about that same event in an article entitled “Becoming mission-minded.” The Living Church is a national independent weekly magazine published by The Living Church Foundation, “presenting news and views of the Episcopal Church and the wider Anglican Communion, along with articles on spirituality, Anglican heritage, and the application of Christianity in daily life.” Episcopal Life is the national monthly

newspaper of the Episcopal Church in the United States. So from coast to coast the word is out: Upper South Carolina is a diocese committed, in the words of our bishop, the Rt. Rev. Dorsey F. Henderson, Jr., to “reclaiming and proclaiming our identity as a missionary church.” The Living Church, quoting Bishop Henderson’s remarks at the Great Gathering, headlined its piece “Sleeping Giant No Longer.” “It was not business as usual,” the article said, “when members of the Diocese of Upper South Carolina gathered in Greenville on Oct. 25–26.” The cover photo, by Pam Steude, former Crosswalk editor and a member of St. Francis of Assisi, Chapin, is an engaging shot of our bishop explaining his episcopal attire to a group of rapt Great Gathering Children’s Center participants.

In Episcopal Life, Steude again captures this watershed event of the diocese in an informative story accompanied by a photo of Upper South Carolinians streaming into the Palmetto Expo Center in Greenville on October 26, 2002. Citing Bishop Henderson’s hope that “the experience would be a catalyst in the parishes and missions to energize people to go out and do the mission of the Church,” Steude also quotes Toni Sylvester, co-chair of the Great Gathering Planning Committee, to emphasize the fact that the event is “meant to be a beginning, Better than the Rolling Stone—The Living Church,

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11 November 24, 2002

Magnetic Church kicks off 2003 diocesan conferences

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esan House (803-771-7800), cchilton@edusc.org.

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Permit No. 848 Columbia, SC

THE MAGNETIC CHURCH CONFERENCE (January 24–25 and February 7–8) If the word evangelism brings to mind visions of Tammy Faye, or makes you feel a little uneasy (especially if you’re asked to “do” it), or sounds just plain inconsistent with being an Episcopalian, you’re not alone. In our society, unsavory visions of shady television evangelists often overshadow the true meaning of the word, which has no sinister overtones at all. In fact, loosely translated, evangelism means simply “telling the good news.” All right, you say, but that’s still something I’d be uncomfortable doing—I’ve never been good about that sort of thing. Let the extroverts take care of it. If you’re one of the many who are still uneasy or skepti-

cal about the “E” word, the Magnetic Church Conference has been designed just for you—to offer strategies and resources for practical, nonconfrontational evangelism that will help churches attract, welcome, and retain new members. Presented by Andrew D. Weeks, a life-long Anglican, this day-and-ahalf conference has proven to be effective in starting and re-energizing evangelism programs. A gifted lay evangelist and humorous, inspiring speaker, Weeks has designed this program to involve skeptics, stimulate activists, and engage the curious—to help everyone learn more about new member ministry. As he has done with Episcopal and other mainline Protestant churches across the country, he will invite us into his faith journey; guide us through this spiritually based, practical exploration of evangelism; and challenge us into new creative ministries, not more tasks. Registration forms are available in all church offices, on the diocesan Web site (www.edusc.org), or from Canon Carolyn Chilton at the Dioc-

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Question: The Great Gathering’s over. What now? Answer: God knows what . . . , including many things not yet even imagined. But for the short haul, there’s a roster of conferences and workshops that will help keep the diocese focused on mission and offer resources to equip the saints for same. First up is The Magnetic Church Conference, to be held twice in the diocese, at St. Mary’s, Columbia, on January 24–25, 2003, and at St. James, Greenville, February 7–8. Registration materials are available in local church offices, on the diocesan Web site, www.edusc.org, or from Diocesan House (803-771-7800).

Also coming up are a Parochial Report Workshop, January 30, 2003, at All Saints, Clinton, and The Bishop’s Conference on Stewardship, May 2–3, 2003, at the Bishop Gravatt Center in Aiken. But let’s begin at the beginning . . . with . . .

Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina 1115 Marion Street Columbia, South Carolina 29201

By Peggy Van Antwerp Hill

“. . .e v er y per if om a bo v e.” (James 1:17) .ev ery perff ect g gif iftt is fr from abo bov

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Calling all wardens, stewardship chairs, clergy SAVE THESE DATES! May 2–3, 2003 for THE BISHOP’S CONFERENCE ON STEWARDSHIP “Informed and Transformed Stewards” The Bishop Gravatt Center, Aiken More information and registration forms will be available soon. Check the diocesan Web site (www.edusc.org) for updates! Questions? Contact . . . The Rev. Charles M. Davis, Jr. Chair, Diocesan Stewardship Committee 803-732-7736; candw1@bellsouth.net or Canon Carolyn M. Chilton Diocesan House 803-771-7800; cchilton@edusc.org

“. . .e v er y per if om a bo v e.” (James 1:17) .ev ery perff ect g gif iftt is fr from abo bov

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“. . .e v er y per if om a bo v e.” (James 1:17) .ev ery perff ect g gif iftt is fr from abo bov

crosswalk Official Publication of the Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina 1115 Marion Street Columbia, South Carolina 29201 (803) 771-7800/(800) 889-6961 (803) 799-5119 (FAX) dioceseusc@aol.com

Crosswalk E-mail Address phill@edusc.org Bishop The Rt. Rev. Dorsey F. Henderson, Jr. Archdeacon and Assistant for Mission and Ministry The Ven. Frederick C. Byrd fbyrd@edusc.org Canon for Christian Formation Carolyn Chilton cchilton@edusc.org Missioner of Youth Ministry The Rev. L. Sue von Rautenkranz, Deacon suevon@edusc.org Director of Communications, Editor of Crosswalk Peggy Van Antwerp Hill phill@edusc.org Executive Assistant for Operations Jane B. Goldsmith jgoldsmith@edusc.org Assistant to Bishop Henderson Julie Price jprice@edusc.org Assistant to Archdeacon Byrd Bonnie Blackberg bblackberg@edusc.org Assistant for Christian Formation, Manager of Diocesan Resource Center Roslyn Hook rhook@edusc.org Assistant for Finance and Insurance Cynthia Hendrix chendrix@edusc.org Bishop Gravatt Center bgravatt@mindspring.com

Visit us on the Web at www.edusc.org DEADLINE 5TH OF THE MONTH FOR NEXT MONTH’S ISSUE.

Bishop Henderson poses with the Rev. Howard Maltby, following Maltby’s installation as rector of St. Alban’s, Lexington. Joining them is the Rev. Lee Quinn, who serves as a deacon at Greenville’s Church of the Redeemer. Maltby comes to us from the Diocese of Southeast Florida.

Have you remembered the diocese in your will? Please keep in mind that before you make any decisions, you should consult with your attorney and financial advisors.

www.edusc.org Our diocese online!

From the

bishop’s desk ... Epiphany 2003 “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you….” —Isaiah 60:1 Sisters and Brothers, dearly Beloved: During this season of the Epiphany we study the incidents through which people who encountered Jesus came to believe that he is the Christ, the Son of God. Among the first to believe were the Magi, whom God led by a star to locate the Holy Infant. When they found him, they worshipped him and presented gifts. I was impressed recently when the chair of our Great Commission Commission, the Rev. David Thompson, while directing the Bible study with which we open our meetings, posed these three questions for reflection and discussion: • Have we seen a star in the east? • Compared to King Herod, who was troubled by the news that the King of the Jews had been born, how are we excited by this news? How are we troubled? • How are we called to worship Jesus? What gifts do we bring? The Great Gathering was for me “a star in the east.” It was a highlight of my life, and so I give thanks to God and to you for it. Emotionally and intellectually, it reminded me of my first mature encounter with Jesus—the one through which I believed he is the Christ in a new and moving way. But the experience also troubled me: given the great gift of the presence and participation of over 3,400 people from across our diocese I could not avoid this question and the responsibility it implies: How are we to be good and faithful stewards of such obvious enthusiasm and commitment to Christ and Christ’s mission? Jesus said that if we love him, we will keep his commandments. He summarized all of the commandments with the Great Commandment (that we love God first, then others as ourselves; Matthew 22:38), and he added the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16–20). Our worship of the Christ, therefore, is expressed outside of the liturgy when (1) we nurture one another; and, (2) we manifest his presence and love in such a way that those who are presently not a part of his Body are brought into the Christian fellowship which is the Church. Others need God’s love as much as we do, and God wants them to have it. And those are the gifts we bring: faithfulness to the healthy care of the community, and commitment to spread the Good News of Jesus to those who are not yet a part of the community. Jesus, the Light of the world (John 8:12), said it himself: “You are the light of the world . . . [L]et your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14–16). May God bless us all—that our Christian community may be more and more healthy and loving, and more and more committed to spreading that love to others. Learning how will be a major part of the journey ahead of us. We’re preparing for it. Watch for it. Faithfully yours in our Lord,

Please send all Crosswalk address corrections, deletions or additions to: Trevett’s Labels and Mailing Service, LLC 2217 Lake Murray Blvd. Columbia, SC 29212 Phone: (803) 781-3150 Fax: (803) 732-1393 email: mail@trevetts.com

The Rt. Rev., the Bishop

Evangelism . . . in my own words

The Episcopal Church welcomed ME!

evan • ge • lism \ n (ca. 1626): the winning or revival of personal commitments to Christ. So says the Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 10 th edition. And what do you say? As we in the diocese continue our journey together, guided by the vision statement “One Body . . . One Mission . . . Changing Lives,” more and more people are talking about evangelism and what exactly that means in the life of a faithful Christian—especially a faithful Christian of Anglican stripe in the Diocese of Upper South Carolina. Crosswalk wants to hear from you—your experiences, positive or negative, as evangelist or evangelized, your reflections on how we keep that promise made in the Baptismal Covenant to “proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ.” Send your story to Crosswalk, 1115 Marion Street, Columbia, SC 29201, or to phill@edusc.org. All contributions must include author’s name, home church, and contact information.

What is it about the Episcopal Church that told you, you were “home”? Whether you’re a cradle Episcopalian or a seeker who’s recently found your place, Upper South Carolina wants to know your story. Yours is, perhaps, the most important story of all as we as One Body seek to live into our One Mission, which is Changing Lives. Send your story to Crosswalk, 1115 Marion Street, Columbia, SC 29201, or to phill@edusc.org. All contributions must include author’s name, home church, and contact information.

Evangelism—Four basics

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By Thomas Webster low their lead in this new dance The first try didn’t take. (without accidentally following Not long after we were married, them, say, to the restroom). my wife and I went to an EpiscoAnd then there’s the Episcopapal Church. We were acting on a lian v. Episcopal thing. Our rector vague dissatisfaction with our lifehas been patient. One, she claims long denomination, the nagging is a noun, the other an adjective. I need for a change to fill a void that was an English major, but I still we felt in our spiritual lives. We can’t get the hang of it. A Presbyteweren’t altogether sure what we rian, for instance, is never Presbywere seeking, but it was decidedly terial, so why must an Episcopalian not what we got on that trip. We be so confoundingly Episcopal? were used to a reserved approach (Or is it the other way around?) to worship: enter, nod to a few acStill other aspects are mysteriquaintances, settle in, listen up, ously new: The Episcopal notion then go home. That first brush with that human reason can be utilized Episcopalianism knocked us out of in attempting to understand God, the frame. Those Episcopalians had an idea which might seem like a us hopping. Used to worshipping simple truth to the practiced Episwith a rigid stillness that matched copalian, is revelatory to a newthe bare wooden pews on which we comer to the denomination. It’s sat, we were overwhelmed by the something that I, for one, have alseemingly spontaneous crossing, ways secretly believed, but to have the kneeling, the rising, the tumulit stated outright is astounding tuous greetings of The Peace, and (and quite a relief). Likewise, in the verbal participation expected this age of labeling every view as during the service. Upon leaving, either conservative or liberal, one the only thing not exhausted was can find a political excuse to forour resolve to avoid becoming get that Christians, be they conserEpiscopalians. vative or liberal, are stewards of And then, five years later, we Creation. The Episcopal Church were asked to be godparents to the reminds us of our important post daughter of our closest friends. The in a way that too few Christian entradeoff was that we had to attend tities do. Finally, I have found The the baptismal service at their EpisBook of Common Prayer to be a copal church. I considered stretchunique theological resource. It has ing before the service, but I redeepened my faith as a Christian frained. and gently guided me into an unAnd here we are, a year later, derstanding of what it means to say Episcopalians. I don’t know what that I am a member of the Episcoit was that appealed to us that time pal Church. that we had missed before. Like so I’d be remiss if I didn’t admit that much about this experience, it is a some of these mysteries remain a mystery. struggle. For one thing, there’s the In some ways our current expechalice. More specifically, the comrience in the Episcopal Church is mon chalice—the one that everyone defined by how mysteriously fordrinks from. My mother always eign it still seems. Our tongues still told me not to drink after people, stumble over the “trespasses” we and I’ve done more than my fair now find in The Lord’s Prayer. To share of reading about viruses and our ears, the familiar hymns seem other nefarious biological goings awkwardly cloaked in the new on. I’ve asked several doctor tunes that they wear, and we must friends of mine for their opinions, stifle the melodious, “Amen!” that and each assures me that we’re used to closing them with. We keep a close eye on our neighbors, standing when they stand, sitting when they sit, trying to folCONTINUED ON PAGE 8

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By the Rev. Dr. Robert S. (“Bob”) Dannals Evangelism is a long word for a community, alter goals, affect beprimary Christian calling. It simply havior, and give the Christian a centering that he or she would not means sharing the Good News of otherwise have. In other words, the the love and faithfulness of Jesus Christ. In our Baptismal vows we fruit of our life and labor should give some indication of the permake a promise that we will “prosonal decision to be grafted to the claim by word and example the Vine. Good News of God in Christ.” Third, evangelism is an activity Thus, every Christian is an evanof the mind and the heart. We ingelist. vite people to use their God-given One might describe the basic asbrains to think carefully through pects of evangelism in terms of four the claims of Christ and the historifeatures or sets of opposites. First, cal beliefs of the Church. Yet at the evangelism is natural and yet same moment the mystery of God’s sometimes unnatural. The Apostle self-disclosing love, through the John tells his friends that he and Holy Spirit, cannot be contained by other Christians are inviting those the intellect, and very often is exwho read his letter to come into the perienced as a warmth of the heart koinonia, the fellowship, because or the transformation of the soul. the life of God is there, and this life Heart and mind must always go is so good he wants others to know together in evangelism, because so that their joy together may be Christ died for the whole person, complete (1 John 1:4). John natuand he claims our whole selves in rally wants to see the joy expand. resurrection love. And so do we! It is natural to share Fourth, evangelism is both a promise and a commitment that gradual and immediate—in that means so much. It is natural that order. Jesus’ model was to bring the we share the joy we have discovsaving affect of his life to others ered and then invite our neighbor through thoughtful, caring, timeto discover it too. taking friendship. The best evanIn the process of sharing our gelism is not done out of desperfaith, however, the unnatural ate urgency. Evangelism is founded temptation is to stand too close to on profound respect for the integthe private core of another human rity of both the Good News of Jesus being. Each of us must know how Christ and the person who is conto step back before proclamation sidering his reality. Nor is it our and sharing become unnatural and responsibility to say perfectly all manipulative. that needs to be said to rightly One of the main marks of our make a credible case of Christian Lord’s encounter with people is his faith. profound respect for them. Jesus Our task is to be faithful, as best does not violate our freedom to we know how, at each step of the make critical choices for ourselves. journey that is our privilege to Second, evangelism is both pershare with our neighbor, graciously sonal and public. We make our own inviting her or him into a relationchoices, but those choices have ship with Christ, to be lived in the inevitable public consequences. community of the Church. If we are The choice to follow Christ is at one faithful to this pilgrimage then level intimate and personal, but it miraculous surprises await us is never private. This trusting relationship, beginning at Baptism, is intended to shape values, deepen CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Confounding, comforting, enlightening, beguiling mystery

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Crosswalk for ums

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CCES Lower School consecrated, then dedicated in memory of Thomas Gordon Small On November 20, 2002, the Rt. Rev. Dorsey F. Henderson, Jr., presided at the consecration of t h e n e w l y re n o v a t e d C h r i s t Church Episcopal School (CCES) Lower School in Greenville. Following the consecration, CCES honored the Robert S. Small family at a special dedication ceremony, naming the Lower School in memory of Thomas Gordon Small. The dedication recognized an unrestricted father-son gift of $1.25 million, given by Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Small, Sr., and Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Small, Jr., as part of the family’s multi-generational commitment to CCES. The consecration began with Bishop Henderson knocking on the door and calling out: “Open the doors of learning, that I may come into them and give thanks

to the Lord.” At each group of classrooms the students greeted the bishop and explained to him, using words they had written, how they use their rooms in pursuit of wisdom and understanding of God’s love. “We learn all the things the trees give us, the difference between adding and subtracting, open and closed syllables, and not to tattle”—so began the first graders’ address to the bishop, which concluded with the request, “Bishop, Bishop, bless the first grade. This is Holy Ground.” Bishop Henderson traveled with a chalice and sprig of pine used to sprinkle holy water on each of the classrooms, and even, to the students’ great delight, on the bathrooms. At the dedication ceremony Bishop Henderson blessed a new

garden area created in memory of Thomas Gordon Small, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Small, Sr., and brother of Small, Jr., who died when he was three years old. The Small family has been instrumental in raising CCES the school from its foundations to the highly respected independent school that today serves 980 students. Robert (“Bob”) S. Small, Sr., a leader in the community in many arenas, was among the original donors of the Cavalier Drive property that became the school’s campus. For more than three decades, his son, Robert (“Tex”) S. Small, Jr., president of AVTEX Commercial Properties, Inc., in Greenville, has carried his father’s legacy forward. Significantly, as a CCES parent, he had at least one child at CCES over a period of 25 straight years.

Holding a chalice and sprig of pine used to sprinkle holy water on classrooms and bathrooms alike, Bishop Henderson smiles in response to an acolyte’s question during the procession to consecrate the new Lower School building of Christ Church Episcopal School. At far right is Middle School chaplain Joe Britt.

St. Martin’s youth are pioneer participants in YIG By Adam Dawkins From December 4 through December 7, 2002, 14 youth from St. Martin’s-in-the-Fields, Columbia, made history by being the first church group in South Carolina (and perhaps the nation) to participate in the annual YMCA Youth in Government Model Legislature (YIG), an event traditionally attended only by public and private school groups. Nationally, YIG program is more than 50 years old, with programs in 45 states. South Carolina’s program, which is operated as a branch of the YMCA of Greenville, began in 1988. More than 1,500 students from across the state generally participate in the program, making it one of the five largest in the country. The main conference of the South Carolina program is the Model Legislature and Court. Participants pair up before the conference, write a bill, and present their idea in a mock legislature. The St. Martin’s delegation had four senators,

four representatives, five pages, and one lobbyist—and they were award winners! Lucy Bullock and Molly Edmonds won the award for Outstanding Bill in the Premier Senate, and William Anderson and Justin Smith won the award for Outstanding Bill in the Premier House of Representatives. Proud delegation leaders were Adam Dawkins and youth volunteer Melanie Jennings, both program alumni who have been active in YIG for nearly ten years. YIG focuses on the idea of “engaged citizenLucia McWilliams and Leslie Williams look over the docket of bills. Both served as pages in the YIG model legislature.

ship,” which means people who understand their role in a democratic society—they study the issues, vote, participate in grass-roots efforts to improve the local community, and work on behalf of candidates and causes for the common good because they understand the importance of tolerance, education, service, and values. Their mission dovetails with our Christian mission, which includes equipping our young people to be good stewards of their community and better leaders for today and tomorrow. St. Martin’s hopes that their experience will encourage other youth groups to participate in the 16th annual event in 2003. For more information on the St. Martin’s experience, contact Adam Dawkins, 803-787-0392, EcceAdam@hotmail.com. For more information on the YIG program in South Carolina, contact YMCA of Greenville, 864-242-1111.

Adam Dawkins is coordinator for children and youth ministries at St. Martin’s-in-the-Fields, Columbia.

Good Shepherd, York, choir sings at National Cathedral By Sally White To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM), ten members of the York’s Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd choir traveled to Washington, DC, to perform at Washington National Cathedral November 23. More than 650 singers representing 60 choirs from across the nation participated in the special Evensong service. The choir members from York were the only South Carolina representatives. Participating were sopranos Wendy Beers, Debbie Holman-Gregory, Teresa Rock, Abby Thielbar, and Sally White; altos Karen Ellison and Mitzi Stewart; tenor Walt Strubbe; and basses Steven Aycock and Jim Bradford. The singers were joined for the trip by friends and supporters from Good Shepherd, including Steve and Donna

Ellington, Shanna Eng, Bobbie Hawkins and Scott Thielbar. “Personally, I was moved by singing with so many good singers and with good directors in a beautiful space to make music, in our thanksgiving to God for 75 years of good musical leadership

of the RSCM,” said Aycock, Good Shepherd’s organist/choirmaster. On Sunday morning, the York contingent attended High Mass at Ascension and St. Agnes Episcopal Church, where Good Shepherd member and diocesan seminarian John Earls is completing an intern-

The voices of Good Shepherd—first row, left to right: Abby Thielbar, Debbie HolmanGregory, Karen Ellison, Wendy Beers, Teresa Rock; second row: Jim Bradford, Sally White, Walt Strubbe, Mitzi Stewart, Steven Aycock

ship. Ascension and St. Agnes is known for its excellent music and Anglo-Catholic liturgy. The Royal School of Church Music was founded in 1927 by Sir Sidney Nicholson at Westminster Abbey in London to promote high standards of church music among amateur choirs throughout the English-speaking world. Today the RSCM has more than 10,000 affiliated choirs in schools and churches of all denominations. It is particularly known in the United States for its 14 summer training programs for choristers of all ages, including the Carolinas Course for Girls, held for the past several years on the campus of Winthrop University. Many of the Good Shepherd choristers have attended the adult training program in Princeton, NJ. Traveling chorister Sally White is a member of Good Shepherd, York.

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Upper SC makes its debut in Hispanic press

The Episcopal Church reaches out to the Hispanic community in the [Upstate] area The rapid growth of the Hispanic community in this area [the Upstate] has not only demanded that private and government organizations change their strategies to adapt to the new circumstances. It has also called various churches in the area to play leadership roles in dealing with this new population and to outline these roles in their mission statements. Such is the case of the Episcopal Church in Upper South Carolina. Through its Hispanic Ministry Committee, the diocese [of Upper SC] has been working on several socially engaged projects.

Contacts The Hispanic Ministry Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina contacted the Chamber of Commerce’s Hispanic Business committee and the Colombian Professionals Association as a means to learn about the needs of the Hispanic community. La Opinión Hispana had a meeting with some members of the Episcopal Church and mainly with those in charge of projects for the Hispanic community. The meeting took place at the Great Gathering, an event held at the Palmetto Expo

Center, Greenville, on October 26. These are some of their remarks: “Four years ago we started recruiting people interested in working with the Hispanic community. We wanted to find out who they are, what they need and where they live.” “After learning basic information, we believe that the Episcopal Church can help with programs for learning English . . . which has been identified as the main barrier faced by the immigrants as they strive to adapt to a new culture.” “We have also focused on Hispanic children with programs such as daycare, summer camps, and seminars for adults. We are very excited about this ministry because of the people we have met, and also because we have had a very good response, especially to the English program.” “We are also aware that the language barrier is one of the major difficulties for the people who have legal problems and are sometimes incarcerated not because they are guilty but because of ignorance of the law.” Also: The first Sunday of each month St. James, an Episcopal church located at 301 Piney Mountain Road, in Greenville, has a three-hour program for children with disabilities. The phone number is 864-286-6358. Ask for Dena Veazey. You may also contact Gloria Suárez at 864-286-0022 or 864-303-9038.

In the photo above La Opinión Hispana interviewed various representatives of The Episcopal Church in Upper SC, including the Rev. Timothy Dombek, rector of St. James, Greenville; Bill Lee, Church of the Redeemer, Greenville; the Rev. Dennis Smith (chair, Hispanic Ministry Committee); David Turpin (St. Luke’s, Newberry); the Rev. Robert Taylor (Good Shepherd, Greer). In the middle, Gloria Suárez, Hispanic representative.

Next Diocesan Race Relations training scheduled for January 11 In accord with Resolution Number 2 adopted by the 78th Diocesan Convention, requiring that all leaders of the diocese, including “vestries, mission committees, congregational staffs, and volunteer leaders,” receive at least four hours of anti-racism training prior to February 2003, the Diocesan Committee on Race Relations has scheduled a make-up session for all convocations for Saturday, January 11, 2003, 9:00 a.m. till 12 noon, at St. Luke’s, Newberry. For more information contact Cynthia Glidden, GlencoraS@aol.com.

www.edusc.org Our diocese online!

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Attention Anglos: Here’s the translation

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Reproduced with permission from La Opinión Hispana.

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Sunday school for churched and unchurched . . . It’s happening at St. Bartholomew’s, N. Augusta By Terrie Lehi In the spirit of the Great Gathering, St. Bartholomew’s, North Augusta, has been hard at work since last spring revamping Sunday school for grades 1 through 5 to create a “WOW” effect that would appeal not only to the children of St. Bart’s but also to unchurched youth in the community. The goal set by the congregation’s Christian formation planners was to devise a children’s ministry program that would offer participants —both children and volunteers— the “best hour of the week.” Our initial focus was on setting the program in motion at St. Bartholomew’s. Now that it is up and running, our next step is to increase our efforts to reach kids and families who are unchurched. And we believe that this program is very accessible to that population. The program came into being after much prayer and research focused on “thinking outside the box.” What resulted from this process was “Kids for Christ,” a “rotation program,” which makes use of the Promised Land curriculum offered by the Willow Creek Community Church in Barrington, Illinois. Kids for Christ is a program that makes it so much fun to learn about God that we’ve found that our children don’t want to miss a single week. The children begin each Sun-

day at activity stations (which include something for every child from the quiet and curious to the active and the artist—face painting, crafts, miniature golf, balloon art—you name it!). After the activity stations, the children move into the “Large Group” program, which includes music, drama, videos and creative teaching, all working together to present the designated Bible topic. Next comes “Small Group” time—groups of from eight to ten children with two “Shepherd-Leaders” who offer engaging learning activities that help the children see how the Bible lesson might be relevant to their lives. This is the “safe” place where each child becomes well known and receives encouragement. An important piece of St. Bart’s new program is the intentional care-taking of volunteers. We have “supply angels” who copy, cut, and prepare all needed supplies. Each week the leaders come in to find their assigned bins ready, with everything needed to present the lesson. This support piece simplifies leader preparation and makes it possible for adults to concentrate on getting to know each and every member of their small group. We also work hard to honor the ministry of our volunteers—candy “thank you’s,” muffins and coffee on a Sunday morning, and gift certificates for a free car wash. It’s important that they know how vi-

Christ Church WinterClassics series kicks off 11th year Now in its eleventh year, the WinterClassics concert series begins January 8 and continues each Wednesday, from 12:10 to 1:00 p.m., through February 26 at Christ Church, Greenville. New this year will be the option of having lunch after the concerts (donations accepted); all concerts are free and open to the public. Featured in 2003 are: Georgia Guitar Quartet, David Gross on piano, Lisa Brown Barksdale, soprano; Donald Shabkiy, Celtic harp and piano; Kyle Ritter, organ; Tina Thompson-Broussard, soprano; James Broussard, tenor; Susan Shiplett, piano; Betsy Fee, violin; Fabio Parini, piano; Eun-Sun Lee, violin; Kenneth Law, cello; and Jacob Will, baritone. A number of the artists are talents who also teach at Furman University (Gross, Brown Barksdale, Thompson-Broussard), University of South Carolina School of Music (Will), North Greenville College and South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities summer program (Parrini), and Converse College (Lee, Law). Ritter is organist at All Souls Cathedral in Asheville, North Carolina; Broussard is associate director of music at Christ Church. WinterClassics honors the memory of the late parishioner and pianist Thomas Brockman. The series was designed to increase awareness of the arts in Greenville by providing concerts at unconventional times to “enable the participation of all—including workers in the downtown area and those who cannot attend evening events,” according to former WinterClassics chair, John Cook. Brockman. For more information, contact WinterClassics chair Pat Timmons, 864-233-6430, or James Broussard, 864-271-8773, ext. 170, jbroussard@ccgsc.org.

St. Bart’s “Kids for Christ” get ready to jump in at one of the many activity centers. tal they are to this ministry. We have angels who send notes to the children who are absent, to let them know that they are missed. We have activity station workers who set up the stations each week and help shepherd the children during their activity time. We have actresses and actors for dramatizations, prop setter- uppers, and even leader thank-you angels. All together we have some 40 people involved in the children’s ministry, which makes it truly a ministry of the whole church. The children see and feel God’s love through everyone who participates. Our vision is that we can bring this experience to children and families in the community beyond St. Bart’s. To date we have held “Bring a(n unchurched) friend to Sunday School,” complete with door prizes and other goodies. We have also offered special events, including an ice skating party and fall festival put on by our older youth, to which children are asked to bring friends. More such outreach activities are in the planning. St. Bartholomew’s parishioners are enthusiastic about “Kids for Christ” as a community-builder

l Evangelism CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 and immediate consequences can be known. These basic features of evangelism can be expressed quite readily by individual Christians in the workplace, at home, and in the broader world and in the weekly life of the worshipping community of faith, never forgetting that proclaiming the Good News is an event of both word and deed, evangelism and servant ministry. The Rev. Dr. Robert S. (“Bob”) Dannals is rector of Christ Church, Greenville.

and as an “out-of-the-box” idea for creating an Episcopal presence in the neighborhood. Here are some of comments from adults involved in the initial stages of the program: “I truly believe that this program can change lives in our congregation and will continue to do so as we reach out to the unchurched”; “As a small group leader I can really get to know the children and where they are in their lives. The lessons are set up so that a new child can walk in any Sunday and jump right in, which makes it very inviting to someone new.” “Everyone shares the workload, so that no one ever feels overwhelmed” . . . We are One Body, with One Mission: Changing Lives. Everything we do in our congregations makes a difference, in our own lives, and in the life of the Church (One Body) in Upper South Carolina.

Terrie Lehi is coordinator for children’s formation at St. Bartholomew’s, North Augusta.

l Welcomed ME

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 my fears are misguided. Nevertheless, based on shaky logic, intincture is as far as I’ve been able to go. How to describe this experience? It has been both confounding and comforting, enlightening and beguiling. I’m at no lack for adjectives that would describe it with equal amounts of accuracy. It has been said that God works in mysterious ways. And so I, too, will settle on that—God is moving though this experience, and in the mystery that we have encountered, so too have we encountered God.

Thomas Webster is a member of St. Margaret’s, Boiling Springs.

Reading for the season . . .

In the Bleak Midwinter, by Julia SpencerFleming (St. Martin’s, 2002) Reviewed by Melodie Helms-Desilet

As an avid mystery reader for the majority of my years, a number sufficiently large so as not to be disclosed in writing, I consider myself somewhat of an “amateur expert” on this genre. Admittedly, that phrase is an oxymoron, but please indulge me. I found Julia Spencer-Fleming’s first novel, In the Bleak Midwinter, to be promising and engrossing. I read it in record time—okay, partly because I had signed on to write this review, but also because it was enjoyable. How refreshing to find a writer who invents not only an Episcopal priest as the protagonist, but a female one at that! My favorite type of mystery has always been ecclesiastical, but there is a dearth of these from which to choose. (As a side note, for those of you who like British ecclesiastical mysteries, I heartily recommend Kate Charles. Her books are more difficult to find these days, but you can order them on the Web.) Spencer-Fleming does a great job of delineating her characters. They come across as real and multi-dimensional. You end up liking them and hope to encounter them again in upcoming novels. It’s always essential to hook your audience on

your cast of characters in a first novel, and the author does just that. She also leaves much emotional angst to exploit in her next work in the developing relationship between the female cleric, the Rev. Clare Fergusson, and the local chief of police, Russ Van Alstyne. Spencer-Fleming does a deft and subtle job in drawing the boundaries of this relationship, as the local lawman is married. And, as you might expect, a female priest in the small, rural New York parish of Millers Kill runs into enough trouble with the locals, especially the members of the church vestry, without substantiating the local gossip that begins to circulate about her and Van Alstyne. The plot is well designed and keeps the reader guessing just enough, although there are sufficient clues for any seasoned mystery fan to figure out the villain before the climax of the novel. And, not to give too much away, suffice it to say that the author paints the murderer as disagreeable enough by the end of the book that you can figuratively join her in saying, “Hey you, out of the proverbial gene pool for the next book!” I appreciate the fact that Spencer-Fleming chose to include hard-hitting social issues in her first effort, including teenage pregnancy, sexual molestation, and children living in poverty. To her credit, she handles all of them realistically and sensitively— a fine feat.

Mystery fan Melodie Helms-Desilet is a member of Trinity Cathedral, Columbia.

And God Spoke: The Authority of the Bible for the Church Today (Cowley Publications, 2002) Reviewed by the Rev. Bill Carroll

How can well-intentioned and intelligent persons come to opposite conclusions about the same documents? Are the Scriptures simply not clear? Are the parties to the debate

In the first part of his book, Bryan responds to the question: “What do we believe?” He provides a clear and compelling account of biblical authority, and of such related notions as revelation, canon, and inspiration. In the second part, he answers the practical question, “What should we do?,” by offering sound advice about listening to Scripture, studying Scripture, and making decisions in light of Scripture. In the best tradition of Anglican biblical scholarship, Bryan combines Nicene orthodoxy and fidelity to the apostles’ teaching with an affirmation of the role of tradition and reason in interpreting Scripture. Citing the conversion of Cornelius (Acts 10:1ff., a story which also involves the conversion of the apostle Peter), he argues that the Church’s understanding of the meaning of individual verses in Scripture is in many cases unclear and subject to revision (3–13). In Cornelius’ story, as in much of the New Testament, the issue is whether non-Jews can become part of the People of God without first becoming Jews. (This means most of us.) Witness also the case of slavery, which, to our shame, was defended through what some Christians took to be the plain meaning of Scripture. We can, and do, disagree about the meaning of individual biblical verses, and the Church does revise its judgment. Ultimately, decision about how to interpret Scripture is the work of the entire, admittedly fallible, Church: “[I]t is precisely because the Scriptures are inspired by the Holy Spirit that they are not subject to individual interpretation, but only to that of the entire community, to which the Spirit is promised” (Bryan cites John 16:12–15, John 14:26, and 2Peter 1:20–21;

Bryan fully admits the inconsistencies and diversity among biblical writings, which result from God’s decision to work “through human authors” (BCP, 853). He sees the inspiration of the Scriptures as the work of God “in the whole process” of their composition, reception as an authoritative canon, and interpretation. Although Scripture may well contain valid insights into matters that are investigated by the “social, physical, and life sciences,” the inerrancy of Scripture concerns only those things that pertain to God’s salvific purpose. In other words, the Scripture contains “all things, necessary to salvation” (BCP, 513, 526, 538). In Bryan’s view, this involves the basic biblical story line of creation and fall; the covenant with Israel; the prophetic demand for justice for the oppressed; the redemption of the world by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ; and the Church’s bold witness to Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. If we are to become more fully what God is calling us to be—One Body, One Mission: Changing Lives—this must begin with a fresh reading of the Scriptures and their message of salvation. Bryan’s book is one good place to begin. We need more books like his, just as surely as we need more people who will listen to the Scriptures, be converted, and “proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ” (BCP, 305). The Rev. Bill Carroll, ordained to the transitional diaconate at Trinity Cathedral on December 14, 2002, is assistant to the rector at St. Francis of Assisi, Chapin.

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Father Christopher Bryan is an Anglican priest and the C. K. Benedict Professor of New Testament at the School of Theology of the University of the South. In And God Spoke: The Authority of the Bible for the Church Today, he has performed a faithful service to the Church in general and to the Anglican Communion in particular. The book is well argued and well written, and it speaks powerfully about matters which ought to command our attention as a diocese committed to “reclaiming the Great Commission.” Although Bryan’s book is informed by critical engagement with the best biblical and theological scholarship, it remains accessible. He has provided an invaluable resource for adult education and private study. The book will be useful to anyone who wants to think more clearly about the Holy Scriptures, the Gospel to which they bear witness, and the ways in which the Scriptures should be used by the Church as we go about our mission. Bryan has placed his immense learning in the service of the Gospel. Reading his book will make us more faithful disciples and more effective witnesses for Christ. I therefore commend it in the strongest possible terms to the members of Christ’s Body in the Diocese of Upper South Carolina. Bryan frames his argument as a response to the debate at the 1998 Lambeth Conference concerning homosexuality. He is not primarily concerned with the bishops’ debate or with the resulting resolutions, important as these may be for our life together at the present time. Rather, he seeks to resolve a prior question, which is raised by the curious fact that both sides of the debate appeal to the authority of Scripture:

And if so what is the right way? Is there a “right way”? And what of “authority”—a notoriously slippery term? Do both sides mean the same thing by it? And if not (or even if so), what ought they to mean? Is there a particular way in which the Scriptures can or ought to be authoritative for the Church’s discourse, and if so, what is it?

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Essential reading for disciples . . . in Upper SC and beyond

January 2003 ..................................................................................................

Book reviews

One piece of advice to the author from this amateur—include more descriptions of liturgy and Anglican theology/ history in the next book. While she is scrupulously accurate in her portrayals of service pieces, they are too few and far between. It seems too ideal an opportunity to educate the rest of American society about our rich and unique heritage not to take full advantage. Setting the book in a small, rural New York village at Christmastime makes this work a perfect choice to read at this time of the year. Believe me, you need to wrap yourself up in an afghan and start a roaring fire before you begin, because you will have sympathy pains for the characters who are subjected to extreme wintry conditions ably described by Spencer-Fleming. All in all, this first work is a winner. I hope for all of us that In the Bleak Midwinter is the beginning of a long and successful series. Merry reading, and a blessed Christmas/Epiphany to all of you.

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EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN Although my term as president of the Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of Upper South Carolina is coming to an end, it seems like just yesterday that it began. I can think of no better way to finish my term of office than with the 81st ECW Convention to be held at York Place. This is a very special place for me and I hope that many of you will come experience the sisterhood of the Episcopal Church Women and the wonderful ministry of York Place. By now you have received your convention invitation from York Place and I hope you have responded that you will be attending. Each parish and mission branch of the Episcopal Church Women is entitled to two votes, provided you send two delegates. Delegates, past diocesan presidents, and the ECW Executive Board have the privilege of voice and vote. The bishop, clergy, and any member of an organization supported by this Diocese have privilege of voice without vote. During registration and at the completion of convention you will be given the opportunity to take guided tours of the York Place campus. If this will be your first visit to York Place I encourage you to take advantage of one of these tours. It will give you a much better understanding of the work taking place on the campus of this vital Episcopal ministry. Bishop Henderson will celebrate our Service of Holy Eucharist. During the intercessory prayers we will read the Roll of Remembrance, honoring those women who have died since the last convention. You can still send names to me via your annual report form or you may e-mail them to mwhawes@fmtc.net (by January 20, please). All UTO representatives will sit together during the service and present their church UTO Ingathering Voucher to the bishop during the offertory. Please be sure to indicate your UTO representative’s name on your registration form. The current and newly elected Diocesan ECW Board members will be installed. The ECW Board will recommend the following to the Convention for approval by vote: The adoption of the proposed 2003 ECW Statement of Mission (Budget) The adoption of the proposed 2003 Mission Projects and Christian Social Relations Project. The slate of nominations to fill current vacancies on the ECW Executive Board. The recommendation that the 81st ECW Convention Offering be given to the Scholarship Fund of York Place. I look forward to sharing this special day with you in celebration of the 81 st Convention of the Episcopal Church Women. In love and faith, Clare Hawes ECW President

York Place, Episcopal Church Home for Children, is honored to host the Annual Convention of The Episcopal Church Women Diocese of Upper South Carolina January 25, 2003

Builders for mission on . . . The Genesis of a great idea By Peter Trenholm

In the beginning, when Dorsey F. Henderson created the seventh Bishopric of the Diocese of Upper South Carolina, there was concern that his See might become a formless void of “maintenance” thinking, while the winds of change swept over the Upstate. Then Dorsey said, “Let there be A Great Commission (Commission) with the purpose of reclaiming THE GREAT COMMISSION: ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’ ” And Dorsey saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning and it was the first day. Then Dorsey said, “Let there be appointed to the Great Commission (Commission) a group of committed Christians who can assist their brothers and sisters in becoming One Body, with One Mission: Changing Lives.” And Dorsey sent these people to Houston, Texas (The Promised Land), to hear about a new missionary zeal that was at work in the Church. And these people returned, filled with the Holy Spirit, and wrote a (“Truly, truly”) mission statement and long-range plan for encouraging the diocese to become a missionary one. And Dorsey saw that it was good. And there evening and there was morning and it was the second day. And Dorsey said, “I will divide the Great Commission (Commission) into five parts, one of which will be called the ‘New Mission Planting Resource Team.’ Its purpose will be to look first at the possibility of establishing three new missions within the next five years, the first of which will be in Columbia (northeast).” And lo, the Diocesan Convention quickly approved the suggested location and allowed for $100,000 to be set aside for its initial funding. And Dorsey saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning and it was the third day. And Dorsey asked Builders for Mission to make their fund-raising plans accordingly. And Builders conceived of Partners for Mission (which Dorsey knew about from his visits to The Promised Land). And Partners was so designed as to encourage five hundred people in the Seventh Bishopric to give $1,000 a year for five years, receiving in return a miniature church as a symbol of their stewardship. And Dorsey saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning and it was the fourth day. And the Partners concept, which thus envisioned the raising of $2,500,000 over five years (for an investment of $30,000), was approved by the Mission Planting Resource Team, The Great Commission (Commission), and the Diocesan Executive Council (which, in fact, became one of the first subscribers to the Partners project). And Dorsey saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning and it was the fifth day. And Dorsey suggested that the Mission Planting Resource Team think “outside the box,” and rather than build a church merely on the dubious expectation “Build it and they will come,” they should first deploy a missioner, who would organize the concept and community identity of the new church, hire and develop a support staff, and discover a congregation. And the Mission Planting Resource Team chose two worker-saints to help determine what sort of person, with what sort of special talents and gifts, the new missioner should be. And Dorsey saw that this was a wonderful, creative idea—and that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning and it was the sixth day. And when the new missioner had done his or her preliminary work, hired a staff and attracted a congregation of the unchurched or lapsed Christians in search of the Gospel and the receiving of the sacraments, funds from Builders for Mission and its Partners for Mission project were available to fund the construction of an initial building. And Dorsey came and consecrated a new mission in the diocese. And Dorsey saw that One People with One Mission had Changed Lives and that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning and Dorsey decided to call it a day—the Seventh. Stay tuned for Exodus. Peter Trenholm, chair of Builders for Mission, is a member of Trinity Church, Abbeville.

www.edusc.org Our diocese online!

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 not an ending. The real measurement of the success of the event will be what happens when the people go back” to their congregations. “Shifting our DNA from maintenance to mission”—Steude quotes the metaphor coined by Great Gathering guest preacher the Rt. Rev. Charles E. Jenkins, bishop of Louisiana—describes the task at hand. It seems fair to say that if Jesus of Nazareth had known about DNA, he might have used that metaphor too. Few would argue that such a shift is the essence of his Great Commission, now “reclaimed and proclaimed” by us Upper South Carolinians, beginning with the momentous, nationally recognized events of the Great Gathering. Turn to page 5 for Upper South Carolina’s debut in the Hispanic press!

www.edusc.org Our diocese online!

St. Mary’s, Columbia, hosts Girl Scouts Beyond Bars In December 2002 St. Mary’s, Columbia, joined the Girl Scout Council of the Congaree as participants in the Council’s program Girl Scouts Beyond Bars. The program, which began meeting in the Columbia area in October with some 25 participants, was created in the state of Maryland in 1992 to foster strong relationships between incarcerated mothers and their daughters. According to a written description of the program by Denille M. Douglas, “Through constructive visits and specialized programming, the women behind bars can regain a sense of

pride in themselves, while exerting a new energy toward successful parenting. Aside from the usual visitations, both mothers and daughters take the opportunity to learn more about Girl Scouts together. In fact some of the mothers were once Girl Scouts themselves, and this program affords them with an opportunity to revisit the values of their youth, while sharing the strengths of this organization with their daughters.” St. Mary’s hosts a monthly meeting for the girls, assists with needs of the troop, and has plans to participate in numerous special projects.

The girls are currently in need of Girl Scout uniforms and scouting handbooks. If you would like to donate either of these items for use with this troop, please contact d’Rue Hazel at St. Mary’s, 803-798-2776, DrueHazel@stmarys episcopalchurch.org. If you would like to learn more about Girl Scouts Beyond Bars please contact Paula Coleman at colemanp@congaree.org. The Rev. d’Rue Hazel, associate to the rector for administration and outreach at St. Mary’s, was ordained to the diaconate at Trinity Cathedral on December 14, 2002.

l 2003 diocesan conferences

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 PAROCHIAL REPORT WORKSHOP (January 30) For all clergy, congregational staff, and treasurers responsible for report and record-keeping— this workshop will help get every Upper South Carolina cong re g a t i o n o n t h e s a m e p a g e , demystifying all those murky membership and other categories, explaining how to file reports online, and, most important, how to use parochial report data for the benefit of your congregation and our common mission as a diocese. The workshop leader is Mr. Lee Clark of The Church Report Company and the

National Church Staff. The workshop registration form is available on the diocesan Web site (www.edusc.org), or by contacting Carolyn Chilton or Julie Price at the Diocesan House (803771-7800; cchilton@edusc.org; jprice@edusc.org). BISHOP’S CONFERENCE ON STEWARDSHIP (May 2–3) This two-day event to be held at the Bishop Gravatt Center in May is a must for clergy, vestries and mission committees, and stewardship committees. The keynote speaker will be the Rev. Canon J. Hugh Magers, interim rector of St. Luke’s, San Antonio. Magers formerly served the na-

tional Church as director of stewa rd s h i p a n d l a t e r d i re c t o r o f evangelism. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Episcopal Network for Stewardship and is a noted consultant to diocese and congregations on stewardship, evangelism, and Hispanic ministry development. More information and registration forms for this conference will be available in the next few weeks. In the meantime, c h e c k t h e d i o c e s a n We b s i t e (www.edusc.org) for updates and d i re c t q u e s t i o n s t o t h e R e v. Charles M. Davis, Sr., chair of the Diocesan Stewardship Committee, 803-732-7736; candw1@bell south.net.

Please note that the 2003 Leadership Conferences, scheduled for March 22 and March 29 at St. Christopher’s, Spartanburg, and Trinity Cathedral, Columbia, respectively, have been cancelled.

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By the Rev. d’Rue Hazel

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Making the scene in the monthly newspaper of the Episcopal Church in the United States (Reproduced with permission of Episcopal Life)

January 2003 ..................................................................................................

l National attention

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Parish Profile . . .

St. Mary’s, Columbia By Eleanor Burke Who: St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 115 Tram Road, Columbia, SC 29210, (803) 798-2776. Average Sunday attendance: 225. Rector: The Rev. J. Blaney Pridgen III. Email: stmarysepis@earthlink.net. Where: A low, long, light-colored stucco building, located on the outskirts of bustling suburban Irmo. St. Mary’s has one very close neighbor—a lonely house that sits on the corner of Tram and St. Andrew’s Roads, in front of the church, which occupies the rest of the block. Hardwood trees surround the grounds. When: St. Mary’s began as a mission from nearby parish St. Simon and St. Jude and first met for organizational purposes on September 8, 1974, at Irmo High School. Developer Michael J. Mungo donated a plot of land for a church to be built. Four years later, on December 18, 1978, St. Mary’s was recognized as a self-supporting parish and since then has added a garden honoring Mary, a chapel whose doors are never locked, and additional space for gathering, afterschool programs, and classrooms. What: St. Mary’s calls itself “a church of volunteer ministries.” Associate to the rector d’Rue Hazel says that St. Mary’s members’ willingness to get involved is amazing: “Wherever our money

goes, our hands go as well.” This holiday season parishioners will be ringing bells for the Salvation Army. The ECW is sponsoring its annual Christmas Project to make it a Merry Christmas for both students and teachers at E.E. Taylor Elementary School in Richland County. They adopted the school as a service project three years ago, and in 2002 received the Outstanding Volunteer Award from the United Way, thanks in part to mem-

The Queen of Heaven and patron saint graces the garden at St. Mary’s.

ber Peggy Davis’s unflagging support and involvement. Davis spent this past summer preparing for the winter, going from school to school asking for donations of clothes and coats, and ended up with 36 bags of winter wear. The rector is proud of what he calls “Three-Pew Sunday,” which means that parishioners turn to the person in front, beside or behind, introduce themselves, then have a conversation. Services at St. Mary’s, he says, are “user-friendly,” because newcomers can easily follow along, in bulletins made for each of the three services every Sunday. Why: In 1998, two years after Pridgen came to St. Mary’s, new bylaws were adopted which established a committee system. For each committee there is a vestry liaison. There are currently fourteen standing committees, through which hundreds of members give input, and anyone in the church family can bring up an idea for mission service. How: St. Mary’s hopes someday to inhabit the entire corner of Tram and St. Andrew’s Roads, including the acreage now occupied by the “lonely house.” Currently they are working the system to change their address from Tram Road to St. Andrew’s Road, which is the main thoroughfare, and before the decade is out they hope to build a new, more spacious worship space. When he first began, Pridgen says he was self-conscious about being so young and ministering to people older than he, but now he laughs, saying that his church is growing younger and that he now feels self-

Rector J. Blaney Pridgen III greets all those who visit inadvertently.

conscious ministering to so many youngsters. He cites the fact that St. Mary’s has grown from only one or two children in the parish six years ago to 55 kids today. To accommodate growth St. Mary’s now has two nurseries, an afterschool program, and an extensive Youth Program run by Daniel Burbage. Through service, ministry, and outreach, St. Mary’s works to bring their own church family closer together through giving back to the community. As Pridgen is fond of saying, “Being a Christian is not about yourself, it is about God working through you.” Quote: Father Pridgen credits his own well-being and smoothly run parish to the fact that “I’ve got an excellent staff.” Parish Membership Committee chair Terry Henshaw agrees, “Everybody’s exactly where they need to be.” Eleanor Burke is a member of St. Simon & St. Jude, Irmo.

DIOCESAN CALENDAR FOR JANUARY AND FEBRUARY JANUARY 5

Bishop’s visitation to St. Mark’s, Chester

FEBRUARY 1-2

Diocesan Race Relations Training (make-up session for all convocations), St. Luke’s, Newberry

Bishop’s visitation to St. Matthias, Rock Hill

Bishop’s visitation to St. Thaddeus, Aiken Bishop Duvall’s visitation to St. Stephen’s, Ridgeway

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day. Diocesan House closed.

Clergy and Spouse Tax Seminar, All Saints, Clinton

24-25 24-26

Magnetic Church Conference (St. Mary’s, Columbia; same conference at St. James, Greenville, February 7-8)

2 7-8

13-16

ECW Convention, York Place

Bishop’s visitation to St. Michael and All Angels, Columbia

Parochial Report Workshop, All Saints, Clinton Consecration of St. Philip’s, Greenville

PLEASE NOTE: DEADLINE FOR CROSSWALK IS THE 5TH OF THE MONTH FOR THE NEXT MONTH’S ISSUE.

Bishop’s visitation to St. Mary’s, Columbia Magnetic Church Conference (St. James, Greenville; same conference at St. Mary’s, Columbia, January 24-25) Bishop’s visitation to St. Philip’s, Greenville Bishop’s visitation to Chapel of the Holy Spirit, Still Hopes Cursillo #95, Gravatt

Bishop’s visitation to St. Paul’s, Batesburg Bishop Harris’s visitation to St. Andrew’s, Greenville

President’s Day. Diocesan House closed.

Bishop’s visitation to Holy Trinity, Clemson

DYLTC, Gravatt

Diocesan basketball tournament

24-27

Clergy Pre-Lenten Retreat, Gravatt

Please contact Jane Goldsmith at the Diocesan House (803-7717800, jgoldsmith@edusc.org) if you have information for the calendar.