http://www.edusc.org/images/stories/documents/Crosswalk%20Archive/Archive/Sabbath%20Issue%20Pentecos

Pentecost 2008

Crosswalk The official publication of the Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina

inside 3

Invitation to sabbath The gift of sabbath time is always waiting.

Slow down, slow down—and claim it.

4

Scripture and sabbath A look at the biblical origins, purpose, and meaning of time set apart.

5

Honoring sabbath There are countless ways to honor sabbath, but intentionality is the key.

6-14

Keeping sabbath at Gravatt A special section on the many changes transforming our own sacred space, The Bishop Gravatt Center.

COVER PHOTOGRAPH:

Jason Coleman from his “Gravatt Series” (see page 19.)

Visit our diocese online

www.edusc.org

Sabbath time

Pentecost 2008

Crosswalk

Bishop’s desk

Around the Diocese

FROM THE

“SABBATH. In origin, the closing day of a seven-day week. The noun is derived from the [Hebrew] verb . . . ‘to cease, to abstain, to desist from, to terminate, to be at an end.’ Only secondarily does this verb connote ‘to be inactive, to rest.’”

—The Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible, vol. 4, p. 135 GRAVATT.

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. Executive Assistant to Bishop Henderson Ms. Jane B. Goldsmith jgoldsmith@edusc.org Canon to the Ordinary The Rev. Michael A. Bullock mbullock@edusc.org Assistant to the Canon to the Ordinary The Rev. d’Rue Hazel dhazel@edusc.org Assistant for Administration Ms. Roslyn Hook rhook@edusc.org Canon for Finance and Administration Ms. Julie Price jprice@edusc.org Director of Finance and Insurance Ms. Cynthia Hendrix chendrix@edusc.org Canon for Communications, Editor of Crosswalk Dr. Peggy Van Antwerp Hill phill@edusc.org Canon for Youth Ministry The Rev. L. Sue von Rautenkranz suevon@edusc.org Assistant for Communications and Youth Ministry Ms. Bethany Human bhuman@edusc.org Archdeacon and Senior Pastoral Assistant to the Bishop The Ven. Frederick C. Byrd fbyrd@edusc.org Assistant to Archdeacon Byrd Ms. Bonnie Blackberg bblackberg@edusc.org

“[A] sanctuary where lives can be changed and where God can be experienced; where diocesan congregations, individuals, and others will have opportunities for evangelism, Christian formation, retreat, and discovery; so that the Bishop Gravatt Center will be a diocesan home for all parishes and missions, a place of community and a source of strength, a place to share and grow in our corporate diocesan vision.”

—The Gravatt Center’s Vision Statement Beloved, this issue of Crosswalk explores the biblical concept of sabbath, with a special look at the site officially known as The Bishop Gravatt Camp and Conference Center. The connection between the two is substantially more than superficial.

One of the first things I learned upon becoming your bishop in 1995 was that Gravatt has a special place in the hearts of many—largely because it has played a critical role in their spiritual lives, either as the site of a major conversion experience or in later spiritual growth. Lives were changed there long before the development of our present vision action plan (One Body, One Mission: Changing Lives). Literally thousands of people, adults and youngsters, have been touched and shaped by God there—generations of Christians who, as a result, are committed to its traditions and also to its continued growth and expansion in the life of the Episcopal Church in Upper South Carolina.

Simultaneous with my growth in the ministry of a bishop was affirmation that sabbath time was essential to my own spiritual health. For that reason, and also as an opportunity to establish relationships with the young people who led and attended our summer camps, I spent the first few summers at Camp Gravatt. Believe me, I have found no better site for experiencing God—a place of reinvigorating rest and renewal where I can recognize and identify within my own life those habits and practices “to cease, to abstain, to desist from, to terminate, to be at an end.”

I commend Gravatt to you as a site for sabbath time—for rest, yes, but for positive spiritual renewal and growth as well. It is ideal for any variety of congregational events—for retreats, for vestry and mission committee planning conferences, and the number one choice among our young people for summer camp. And I commend to you the newly developed vision at Gravatt—a center for equipping Christians for discipleship and honing our skills for ministry and Christian leadership as individuals, within congregations, our diocese, and the “one holy catholic and apostolic Church” of which we are a part.

Two particular developments have had a serious impact on life at Gravatt.

The fire which destroyed Cullum Hall nearly five years ago has required plans for new conference facilities, and therefore the need for financial support from both old and new friends of Gravatt. The construction of a new and now separate Chapel of the Transfiguration makes the obvious statement that the worship of God is at the center of all that happens at Gravatt; this happy project also calls for our financial gifts.

So our challenges are obvious, but the legacy of spiritual enrichment upon which we build will insure the role of this holy sabbath place in the lives of generations of disciples to come. I commit it to your prayers, your labor, and your stewardship.

Faithfully yours in our Lord,

2

Bishop Henderson, Canon Bullock lead congregation in wake of rector’s resignation, church split

P

entecost Sunday at St. Christopher’s, Spartanburg, was a watershed event in the life of the nearly 50-year-old congregation. The week prior to the feast saw the resignation of the rector, the Rev. George N. Gray, and an unhappy series of events that his resignation set in motion, but on Pentecost the people of St. Christopher’s joined Bishop Henderson and Episcopalians from all over the diocese to regroup, pray, celebrate, and affirm their commitment to the future of the congregation.

A new mission team On May 6 Bishop Henderson learned that Fr. Gray had resigned his position, stating in a letter to parishioners that he could “no longer remain grounded in TEC [The Episcopal Church].” A majority of St. Christopher’s vestry also resigned.

On May 7 the Diocesan Executive Council and Standing Committee met in emergency session and approved Bishop Henderson’s request that St. Christopher’s be returned to mission status and that he be authorized to inhibit Fr. Gray for abandonment of the Communion of the Church.

The Rev. Canon Michael A. Bullock, Bishop Henderson’s canon to the ordinary, was named priest in charge at St. Christopher’s, and a new congregational mission team was put in place.

—continued on page 17

Got e~DUSC? Diocesan news, announcements, and so much more, delivered biweekly in reader-friendly e-mail format.

Don’t miss out.

Subscribe online: www.edusc.org!

(And tell all your friends!)

Please send all Crosswalk address corrections, deletions or additions to: Trevett’s Mailing Service 6065 Saint Andrews Rd. Columbia, SC 29212

Visit us on the Web:

www.edusc.org

St. Christopher’s, Spartanburg, marks new beginning on Pentecost

phone: 803.781.3150

Upper South Carolina VII

email: mail@trevetts.com

Crosswalk

Pentecost 2008

Invitation to sabbath

By Amy Sander Montanez

T

he day of silence was scheduled for the third day of my spiritual director’s training residency. The first two days we kept a tight schedule of lectures, small groups, individual meetings, and meals. We also made time for early morning Eucharist, noonday prayer, compline, and at least one long walk on the beach. So by the time the third day rolled around, a new rhythm, one of worship, study, community, and leisure, had begun to be established.

This day, however, we were to keep silence, with the exception of worship services.

An unexpected thirst Late in the afternoon, while praying in the beautiful chapel at Camp St. Christopher, I had the feeling that something deep in me was being fed. I was getting a taste of something I realized I felt a hunger for, a sip that was easing an intense but unexpected thirst.

Right here, without my asking, I was experiencing an invitation to true sabbath. All I needed to do was slow down enough to accept the invitation.

So what did I experience? Almost ten years later, I can look back on this life-

changing experience of sabbath and speak of it as surrender. I remember a distinct physical sensation, as if I had fallen into a bed of feathers that was perfectly supportive and molded just for me.

I remember having extraordinary and uncommon thoughts: “The universe will keep spinning if I rest for a while.” “There is absolutely nothing I need that will not be taken care of if I stop and rest.” “I am not indispensable.”

“God is in heaven and all will be right with the world.” “I am labor’s master, not the other way around.” “Beyond the roles I play, I am just a self, made in the image of God.”

Knowing and claiming Please note that theologically and intellectually I already believed these things. I just didn’t really know them to be true, and I didn’t live like I knew or trusted them. I lived like so many of us live, seduced into the drivenness, materialism, and competitiveness of our culture. So in those moments of grace in that chapel, I actually experienced fully and completely those thoughts, and for a few days after that, I boldly lived them.

Now I was able to claim those truths in a different way.

Later that same day, while being

visited by the dolphins at the point of Seabrook Island, I found myself laughing out loud at their antics, and quickly writing a poem that had been stuck in my brain for weeks on end. It was effortless and fun, and given. It was a surprise and a grace, and it was ripe with creativity.

An ever-present gift This gift of sabbath time is waiting for all of us. It already exists, like all of God’s realities: love, forgiveness, grace, mercy, and eternity, to name a few. We have to slow down long enough to slide into the river and float in those truths, and we have to cultivate the qualities that create balance in our heavily skewed culture. In his classic book Sabbath Time, Tilden Edwards notes that we

[The] gift of sabbath time is waiting for all of us. It already exists, like all of God’s realities: love, forgiveness, grace, mercy, and eternity, to name a few.

(individually and systemically, or corporately) seem to be living at two opposing poles. One is the pole of driven achievement and compulsive drudgery. At this end of the spectrum, we work and work to have more and more; we work to please our bosses, our spouses, our children, our friends. We work because success feeds our sense of our selves, and we work because we define ourselves by the job. (Please note: you can substitute volunteer or parent for the word work.)

Not new, but radical At the other end of the spectrum is escapism and competitive leisure activities. We “crash” from our busyness and our duties. We sleep, stare mindlessly at the TV or computer, drink too much, or eat too much. We might play at something very competitively, and this something might be similar to work in the amount of worry, fear, money, and labor that it entails. That kind of play is not sabbath, either. In order to make room for sabbath time, we have to balance productivity with receptivity, doing with being, making happen with letting go, competition with cooperation, masculine with feminine. It is not new but it is radical, this idea of sabbath.

—continued on page 16

“As life is seen together by grace for what it is and as it is during sabbath moments, our identity touches its bottom in God’s image. In such pure sabbath flashes we no longer see through the narrow slits of ego-desire and fear. We are not ego-Christians then, who imperially protect and assert a little domain of concepts and structures labeled ‘Christian’ over and against anything that looks different. The Truth of God for a moment shows its universal quality; barriers between this and that fall to a low level in the light of God’s mysterious grace; we see the enormous range of that grace in human life, cultures, and nature. For a moment we are not sectarian Christians with a tribal God, but true witnesses of the universal Christ in whom all that is moves and is being moved toward the fullness of God. Inner rejoicing and awe at this glimpse of the immensity of God’s ways rise from the center of our being.”

—Tilden Edwards, Sabbath Time (Nashville: Upper Room Books, 1992), page 94.

3

Crosswalk

Pentecost 2008

WHAT’S

IN THE WORD

God sets the example . . .

The sabbath in scripture

By Ted Duvall

B

eginning with Genesis and continuing through the Old Testament and into the New Testament, the Bible lays out the origin, meaning, and purposes of the sabbath.

“Cease” and “desist” Sabbath’s Hebrew root word means “to cease, to desist” and refers to the biblical principle that one day in seven is to be observed as a day holy to God. This observance has several dimensions to it: its origin is in creation, its example is God himself; it is meant for humanity’s rest and renewal, and for our humble, obedient connection to God. Because sabbath’s origin is in creation, the foundational biblical text is Genesis 2:2–3. “And on

“W HAT

IF

God’s will for creation Genesis 2:2-3 teach[es] us the Thus, a biblical understanding of sabbath starts with the realization that whatever the meaning and necessity of keeping the sabbath purposes of it may be, they are not “man-made,” but ourselves by giving us the strongest come from God’s will for creation, having in fact been built into the very fabric of how our world was made possible example: God, who has set and intended to function. The subsequent biblical references to the sabbath overwhelmingly maintain its connection to God’s action in creation. One example the pattern we are to follow. is Exodus 31:12–17, in which the command to keep the seventh day God finished his work which he had done, and he rested on the seventh day, from all his work which he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all his work which he had done in creation.”

the sabbath, along with explanations of its purpose, is capped by verse 17: “…that in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.”

. . .”

Jesus and the sabbath

By Mary Moore Roberson

M

ark 2:27–28: Then Jesus said to the Pharisees “The sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath; so the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.”

When Crosswalk editor Peggy Hill called to ask me to write a reflection on a witness to the sabbath found in Holy Scripture, she said that if she had her druthers, I’d use these verses encapsulating the core intent, the spirit, of the seventh day, the culmination of God’s creating—about the sabbath having been made for us, not us for the sabbath.

Call to clarity And so, I had to think, here is Jesus (in Mark 2: 23–28) in the midst of yet another controversy, being criticized for the activity of his hungry followers, who, in a strict reading of the Law, are reaping grain on the sabbath, and for doing so are judged to be violating the rules of behavior for that holy day.

Is he in his reply speaking as a scofflaw? Is he chucking the tradition in which he was raised, is he innovating, or is he, as I believe, calling his hearers, including us, back to the beginning, to the mercy of God embedded within the existence of sabbath, to renewed clarity about the purpose and meaning of, and even an expanded practice of, living within

4

the last day of the week, the day of God’s resting, of our resting from the work of creating?

In this time, in this culture, in which we are so defined by what we do, by what we achieve, by our output, by results, sabbath is countercultural because it’s about turning from all that, and turning to a place of peace, of being, though it is far from entering some kind of zone of suspended animation, of inactivity.

What if . . .?

Let’s ask some “what if ” questions about that turning, that returning to God’s gift to us, about living within Jesus’ flat-out pronouncement that the sabbath is made for us, remembering though that that doesn’t give us license to be fast and loose with it.

What if we think of sabbath as place, putting ourselves into an Eden-like state of mind because sabbath calls us to be in the nearness of God as were our first parents? What if we open ourselves to the possibility that not only will the day relieve us from ordinary work and restore us through rest, but also that it is on that day that we purposely enter divine space, walking, talking, ambling along in the company of God. —continued on page 15

—continued on page 15

Mark, chapter 2 One sabbath [Jesus] was going through the grainfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to pluck heads of grain.24 The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?”25 And he said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need of food?26 He entered the house of God, when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and he gave some to his companions.”27 Then he said to them, “The sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath;28 so the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.”

Crosswalk

Waiting for God’s surprises, or . . .

© Kolygok | Dreamstime.com

By Janet Atkins

O

ut the road from Juneau, Alaska (the only road into or out of town), is a spot where one may pull the car over and take in the view. At mile marker 33, the side of the road drops at an angle into Lynn Canal. I’m in the Tongass National Forest, a temperate rain forest, and I’ve come with my friend to watch whales. It’s an afternoon for holy leisure.

A life-renewing gift My friend Maggie is a fisherwoman. She heard about the location of the whales on her marine radio. We find a place to sit, and as I wait in expectation one of the whales swims up to my left, still far enough away that I need to use binoculars to see it clearly. Up and down, its blowhole sounding the sneezelike release of air, the whale seems to be getting closer when, suddenly, it surfaces right below me—not 20 feet from where I am sitting on the rock outcrop. The whale stays there for about five minutes feeding along the

Some ways to honor sabbath time edge of the estuary before it moves farther out into the cove. I follow the whale with the binoculars, and I am so excited I find it hard to believe that another one has surfaced not far away.

In all, five or six whales come to the surface during the afternoon while we sit there experiencing what it means to have sabbath time.

What brought me to Alaska was a summer of study through which I would renew my teaching license. I had a long list of books to read and copious papers to write. In the midst of all that work, however, I also had the opportunity to experience some of the most amazing scenery and to observe wildlife that I’ve only seen in books. The time was a life-renewing gift to me.

Intentionality Sabbath time, or shabbat, is that time-honored practice in our JudeoChristian culture that allows for the renewal of life—what I experienced in observing the whales, eagles, and other wildlife in Alaska. Unfortunately for most of us, sabbath is not as accessible

as it once was. That’s why we must have intentionality in our practice of sabbath. That intentionality is really as simple as keeping our focus while taking a walk.

Walking and sitting meditation are forms of prayerful awareness that have come to western Christianity through the Buddhist tradition. These involve “mindfulness” and can be practiced in as little as twenty minutes. Choosing to walk the labyrinth as a form of prayerful meditation also provides sabbath time. Many retreat centers and churches now have labyrinths on their property, making them more accessible to sabbath-time seekers.

Another way to be intentional about sabbath time is simply to go to a favorite place to be quiet. Perhaps that place is in your own home, a room set aside for quiet, meditative practice.

Perhaps it’s a local park that provides the space for rest and renewal.

Whether that practice is strictly contemplative, or whether it involves writing, reading, or playing music, it can create a space where shabbat is experienced.

—continued on page 16

NOT business as usual Here are some retreat centers close to home, offering retreats of varying designs and lengths.

1) MEPKIN ABBEY (Roman Catholic):

4) THE SNAIL’S PACE (Christian):

Moncks Corner, S.C., 843.761.8509, www.mepkinabbey.org e-mail: guestmaster@mepkinabbey.org

Saluda, N.C., 828.749.385 www.thesnailspace.com e-mail: snail@tds.net

2) THE ORATORY CENTER FOR SPIRITUALITY (Roman Catholic):

3) CONVENT OF ST. HELENA

Rock Hill, S.C., 803.327.2097 www.rockhilloratory.com e-mail: oratoryctrforsp@cetlink.net

(Episcopal): Augusta, Ga., 706.798.5201 www.osh.org e-mail: conventofsthelena@comcast.net photo: © Sparky2000| Dreamstime.com

Pentecost 2008

A small litany about silence

By Felicia W. Smith Holy Numinous, I come before you speechless and silent to acknowledge your allness within me. I thank you for the gift of silence that frees me to look within and find you there. With believers and seekers through time and across distance, I reach for and find and touch and am nourished by your presence to us through the silence.

Be still and know that I am God. In the silence, we seek and find you. Whole mountain ranges rest in your silence. The desert shimmering in midday heat is infinitely still. Your silence pervades the ocean calm; your silence engulfs and caresses the vastness of ripening wheat fields.

Be still and know that I am God. In the silence of long-held holy places, you gently and firmly seize our hearts, whether it be a sacred configuration of geology, or a holy well known for healing waters, whether it be a sacred grove or the vast inner spaces of cathedral sanctuary.

Be still and know that I am God. In the silence, we sleep for nearly a third of our lives. Extend the times of silence into our waking hours as a daily habit to refresh and sustain, heal, and restore.

Be still and know that I am God. In the silence, let us not be afraid; let us not seek to escape its gifts. Let us not dread this time when we meet ourselves deeply, gently, lovingly in the silence.

Be still and know that I am God. In the silence, the joy of your presence makes itself known, upwelling in my heart, singing in my soul, sweeping me to unconscious union with you.

Be still and know that I am God. Holy Numinous, my heart overflows with wordless thanksgiving for the gift of silence. I have but to draw apart from the hectic pace of life, and I can be at any time in the silence. For the silence of eternity has always been, and will always be, always waiting, always ready, for me. Amen.

Felicia W. Smith is a member of St. Simon & St. Jude, Irmo. The author of “A Collection of Small Litanies,” she offers a one-day program entitled “Writing Litanies as a Spiritual Tool.” She also works with anyone wishing to compose a litany for a special occasion or personal concern and writes commissioned litanies tailored to special occasions.

Contact her at 803.798.6498.

5

Pentecost 2008

Crosswalk

Our own holy ground...Keeping sabbath at

Gravatt A history of our holy ground . . .

The Bishop Gravatt Center,1947-2008 Compiled and edited by Clyde L. Ireland

I

t was at the Diocesan Convention in 1947 that the Rt. Rev. John J. Gravatt, second bishop of Upper South Carolina (1939-1953), announced that a gift of 100 acres of land, including a 15-acre lake, between Batesburg and Aiken had been given to the diocese. The donor was Mr. St. Julian Cullum, a member of St. Paul’s Church, Augusta, Georgia. Plans were made to raise $3,700.00 for its development. Quotas were assigned to congregations, payable over three years.

The property was given the name Camp Gravatt in honor of the bishop.

Mite boxes first In fall 1947 the first use of the site was made by the rector and youth group from Good Shepherd, Columbia. The rector was the Rev. Lewis N. Taylor. The first diocesan event on the property was a church school rally for the presentation on of Lenten mite boxes. Bishop Gravatt was assisted by the Revs. Manny C. Reid and E. Hopkins Weston.

In spring 1949 the Rev. Charles Seymour, then rector of St. Thaddeus’, Aiken, secured an old building at the Aiken Army Air Base and had it moved to the camp for use as a kitchen, dining and recreation hall, and chapel. With the funds received from the assigned congregational quotas more buildings were completed: boys’ and girls’ baths and dormitory and staff cabins. Thus it became possible to have camp sessions for children and youth.

6

Happy campers The first summer camp session was the “Junior Conference,” which opened on June 13, 1949, under the direction of the Rev. Alfred P. Chambliss, rector of Our Saviour, Rock Hill. Eleven girls and seven boys attended. Later that same summer Camp Gravatt hosted both the Girls’ Friendly Society and the acolytes from St. John’s, Columbia.

Through the efforts of the Rev. B. Duvall Chambers, rector of St. John’s, Hopkins, a pavilion was built to serve as chapel, recreation hall, classroom space, and picnic shelter. By the year 1953 the original kitchen and dining room facility was falling into ruin. It was replaced in 1954 by a fully equipped dining hall and kitchen. The need for more sleeping space was met with the addition of cabins under the auspices of the men of St. Martin’s-in-the Fields, St. John’s, and Trinity Church (not yet the cathedral), all of Columbia. In 1954 Diocesan Convention authorized the securing of loans for the construction of Cullum Hall, to serve as an assembly hall and chapel, in memory of Gertrude Perkins Cullum, the deceased wife of St. Julian Cullum.

Gravatt takes off Upper South Carolina’s third bishop, the Rt. Rev. C. Alfred Cole, was very active in development of the facilities and program during his episcopacy

(1953-1963). During the summers, with his family, he resided in a camper trailer in the lakeside forest. The summer program during these early years focused on the Bible, Church tradition, and the Gravatt environment. Parish clergy and seminarians were recruited to participate

in the summer camping program by Bishop Cole. The Rev. John G. Clarkson, Jr., provided leadership during those early years of construction and program development. He was vicar of St. Paul’s, Batesburg, and manager of the —continued on page 14 camp.

Crosswalk

Gravatt redux

Pentecost 2008

A sanctuary for the ministry of Christian formation and hospitality

The vision unfolds Surprise!!

The end result of this meeting was a complete and astonishing surprise.

New flags over Gravatt The Commission on the Diocese (Photo: Jason Coleman; see page 19) recommended to DEC that Gravatt be made a separate but diocesan-affiliated institution (similar to the Still Hopes

By Peter Trenholm Retirement Community and n retrospect, the vision was there all Heathwood Hall Episcopal School), along; the surprise was not its with its own independent board, existence, but the discovery of it, separate bylaws, and possession of the clearly an incidence of grace.

Bishop Gravatt Center’s land, facilities, and finances. In return, Gravatt would agree to the perpetual Part of the discovery occurred on a continuance of Gravatt as an Episcopal summer day in 2006, when two institution emphasizing Christian representatives of the Board of formation, with clergy representation Trustees of Bishop Gravatt Center met on the Board of Trustees and the with members of the Commission on bishop an automatic trustee, either the Diocese for the purpose of personally or by representation. clarifying the respective responsibili- Further, the property could not be ties of and interrelationships between mortgaged for operational purposes. the Gravatt Board and Diocesan While some of the legal processes Executive Council (DEC). At issue, necessary for final arrival at “affiliated primarily, were questions of where the independence” are still in progress, authority laid to make long-term plans Bishop Gravatt Center, Inc., is, for all and commitments, and who was operating and policy considerations, a ultimately responsible for operational stand-alone institution of the and financial policies. The Gravatt Episcopal Diocese of Upper South board’s position was that since it held Carolina. no property or assets related to Gravatt—including the insurance proceeds received as a result of the I emphasize this recent history of Christmas 2003 Cullum Hall / chapel fire—it was limited in its abilities to Gravatt for one primary reason. The plan for the restoration of the lost independence of Gravatt became the facility, now critical to the center’s catalyst by which the visionary ability to continue to provide processes at work today in Aiken were inspired—and became possible. conference facilities.

The Commission’s response was Several trustees of the former Gravatt mixed, with some members favoring board were undeterred by the tension more diocesan oversight of Gravatt’s between Gravtt’s board and DEC. operations, particularly the rebuilding Indeed, they had, without being of Cullum Hall. Other members were specifically conscious of each other’s inclined to the abandonment of views, begun to entertain some bold Gravatt altogether, the perception ideas about Gravatt’s long-term being that the value of the real estate potential and to imagine a purpose for plus the insurance settlement were and value of the property that was a funds the diocese could use for more marked departure from its recent history and current state of decline. “relevant” internal investment.

I

Recent history

New vision

Common passion & focus Another surprise was the invitation of Bishop Henderson, at the end of 2006, to three of these quiet visionaries to form a Transition Board of Trustees for the “new” Bishop Gravatt Center, Inc. Included were Dr. Ron Gregory, Mr. Mitchell Tibshrany, and the author (who was elected chair by the other two when he made the mistake of leaving the room to answer his cell phone). This compatible trio of varying but uniquely complementary interests and talents discovered a shared passion for Gravatt and a common focus on how its purposes and resources were applicable to the 21st century.

For starters they disinterred a twoyear-old long-range plan for Gravatt, which had been relegated to a forgotten bottom drawer. It included a second conference facility, a new dining hall/kitchen, the conversion of Stewart Hall (the present dining hall) to office/welcoming space, and several other significant investments in Gravatt’s “landscape”—including a lake-side chapel.

First steps On a Wednesday morning in January 2007 the transition board met at Gravatt to take stock of the challenge they had accepted. It was not the best time to visit Gravatt: in addition to the unpleasant weather, the campus looked unused and truly inhospitable—the very antithesis of its brochure boasts. Unspoken questions of “What are we doing here?” were palpable. On that winter day, even the flags looked ragged, limp, and soiled, and so their replacement became the first order of business. (Sometimes, determination begins with the details.)

—continued on page 13

The Gravatt board speaks . . .

Crosswalk asked board members to talk about the passion for Gravatt that called them to ministry there. Here’s what they said.

The Gravatt experience has been the transforming experience— that’s what many, many folks have told me during the years I’ve been blessed to be the bishop. Gravatt’s role as a place for people—people of all ages—to meet God for the first time, or to grow in a relationship with God, started in other times, other places. That role continues in a place obviously blessed by God to be a site of blessing for many.

—The Rt. Rev. Dorsey F. Henderson Since 1949 Gravatt has been a significant influence in changing and shaping the lives of children, youth, and adults. I am pleased to have been a part of this ministry for more than 20 years. As we move into the 21st century I am excited to experience new leadership and a new vision for ministry.

—The Rev. Clyde L. Ireland Gravatt uniquely offers a natural setting for Christian eduation, fellowship and renewal for all ages.

It is heartwarming and gratifying to see the difference Gravatt makes in the lives of those who attend the various camp and conference sessions. I am proud to a part of this diocese’s commitment to continuing and improving the Gravatt experience.

—Mr. Benton Williamson

7

Pentecost 2008

Crosswalk

My Gravatt

A sanctuary for the ministry of Christian formation and hospitality

It’s all about coming “home” “From generation to generation” at Gravatt

By Lauri S. Yeargin

I

’m not quite sure how I ended up at Camp Gravatt as a child, except that God must have had it in his plans. I lived in the “other” diocese, so it wasn’t natural for me to attend Camp Gravatt. But from

early on this was my home. My first year as a camper I was eight. I went through the ranks as counselor in training, junior counselor, and then counselor. God planted seeds for my future during my summers at Camp Gravatt. As a 13-yearold, I knew I wanted to grow up and be the director one day so that I could live at Gravatt. It seemed like a dream, so I guess you could say that I really am living my dream.

Living color Because of my camp experience, I attended junior and senior high retreats and Happening at Gravatt too. I remember leaving Happening and thinking it was like when Dorothy walked out of her house into Oz— suddenly everything was in Technicolor. I was living life in color for the first time.

When it was time to get married, I couldn’t think of anywhere else I would want to do it. For me, Camp Gravatt was my home church—even though it had been several years since I had been here. I wanted to share it with my husband, who is not a “Gravatt person”—or at least he wasn’t at the time.

Called back

The Yeargins at home: Lauri and Dan Yeargin with their children, Sarah (age 9), Gracie (6), Caid (3), and Jack (1), and their faithful dog, Symbia, March 2008

Learning & connecting— with God, self, and others

Ties that bind I remember the names of all the counselors I ever had that really made an impact on me. By the end of my stay at Gravatt, I always hate to leave them because of the connection that we formed. Last summer my counselor bonded with all her campers so much that she cried when we were leaving that

By McKenzie Cannon

M

y life has been changed greatly by Camp Gravatt. Gravatt allows me to open up and get away from my home state of Georgia. At Gravatt I am free to interact with other people my age and have lots of fun. Gravatt has allowed to me to have more than just fun though. It has allowed me to learn more about myself and Christ and other people.

Gravatt gives me the chance to take time off from all the bad things happening back home and focus on the things offered there for me. Gravatt has

8

In 2004, I felt God calling me back to Gravatt. I volunteered for two summers, both times with old friends from camp.

It’s funny that I had not seen them in years, but it was like old times. Our names were still written on the walls of the Byrd Houses, and it felt like we hadn’t missed a day, despite the fact that this time we came with our own children.

Now I see my children growing up

spiritually changed me. I understand things more and I’m more in my serious mode when we are talking about Christ and the Bible. I open my mind up and take the time to empty my soul of all the problems that I have that distract me from God. Sometimes I cry because it feels so good not having to worry about these things that are on my mind.

here in this place where God works mysteries. At the end of summer 2006, when I served as assistant camp director and stayed here for the summer with my children, we returned to Rock Hill. My oldest daughter, Sarah, said, “I feel like Camp Gravatt is my home now, and I want to go home.” I knew exactly how she felt. Gravatt is a place where you feel at home. You feel like you belong.

The family of God Two years later, Gravatt became home in the technical sense of the word. How amazing is it that we get to actually live here! As we walked through the woods the other day, Sarah said to me, “I finally feel like I really belong somewhere.”

That’s what home is—a place you belong.

It brings me great joy that now my family gets to live in a place that truly feels like home. And it brings me joy that every week and especially every summer, I get to welcome a family of God’s children “home” to Gravatt.

Ms. Lauri S. Yeargin has been executive director of the Bishop Gravatt Center since September 2007. morning. It made me feel good inside to know I meant that much to her, and I hope to touch people in that way when I’m older. By seeing her that way, I became a more loving person and a better friend who will take my time to help others in need and to just take a second to see how they’re doing.

Counting the days I can definitely say I have a lot of friends from Gravatt. They each have a special place in my heart and I enjoyed the times and memories I have shared with them. Gravatt has really opened new opportunities for me and I am lucky I have gotten to experience this. I consider Gravatt my second home and I count down the days to when I get there!

Ms. McKenzie Cannon comes to camp at Gravatt from the Diocese of Georgia

Crosswalk “The best place ever . . .

God lives here.”

My Emmaus road…

By Christine Tibshrany Koutrakos

C

W

hen I was nine years old I sat at the last camp fire of my first camp session at Gravatt crying—not quite sure why, but crying.

We were singing “Peter, Peter” and the wind was blowing across the lake. The next day I told my parents that Camp Gravatt was “the best place ever.”

The years that followed that first camp session were filled with Gravatt experiences. I enjoyed being a camper as long as I possibly could and then immediately moved on to be a counselor in training, junior counselor, and counselor spending my whole summers at Gravatt. During those years I also attended and worked on Happening weekends and other youth events in the diocese that were at the Bishop Gravatt Center. Eventually, I served as a member of the Board of Directors.

Extended family My extended Gravatt family has attended weddings and memorials at Gravatt. As an adult, I have been to Gravatt for a variety of events including many parish picnics and retreats and even a public school faculty retreat. As the years go by the events change—Gravatt changes—but something always stays the same.

Recently, I sat at the campfire with my two young sons and some close friends with their children. I will never be nine years old again at that campfire but the feeling remains the same as it was that night years ago.

God and community

By Frederick C. Byrd amp Gravatt has been a part of my life since age eight. I’ll never forget that first homesick experience. How one could be so miserable and so happy at the same time I’ll never understand! After a couple of years as a camper, I began working on staff (kitchen, handyman, waterfront, counselor, and director for seven years), and, except for a short seminary sabbatical, I’ve always been involved with the camp.

In relationship My first thoughts of the priesthood began at Gravatt as I experienced close associations with Bishop Cole and the priests and deacons and faithful laity of the diocesan family. These relationships had a profound influence on me. I saw committed men and women of God at work and play. I saw the generous outpouring of unconditional love and concern in a special community, and it was impossible to be a part of that community without being “touched by God.” Relationships! That’s what makes Gravatt so special.

Facilities, programs, and activities are important to camp experiences but the personal relationships have formed the spirit of Gravatt. Someone asked me to describe the unique thing about Gravatt, and I could say unequivocally that it is the relationship between the staff and the campers. The welfare, the Christian formation, and the happiness of the campers are the top priorities, and each staff member commits himself/herself to those objectives. This means that the staff inherit a nondescript job. After a multitude of assigned responsibilities for the day, a staff member may spend some of the day fishing with a homesick child, or dealing constructively with some conflict that has emerged within a family group or building up a child

Pentecost 2008

who has low self-esteem, or simply listening to the child who desperately needs a friendly ear.

Thanking God for Gravatt There is no wonder that I spent all my summers at Gravatt. To see and feel the love and concern that are shared and to experience a child’s learning to feel good about herself is a joy that can barely be articulated, only felt and passed on.

In the cool of the evening when the lights are out, the children are tired and quiet, the campfire is but a pile of glowing embers, a blanket of stars is visible, the faithful whippoorwills and frogs begin their serenade, and a cool breeze drifts across the lake, I would sit quietly at the campfire and thank the Almighty that we have—for our diocesan family—a Gravatt where good things happen to children, where Christian formation is both taught and modeled—things that can stay with them forever.

Holy ground This year as I prepared a homily for the Third Sunday of Easter, I was reminded yet again that many of us travel our own roads to Emmaus, encountering the risen Christ in the prayers, in the breaking of the bread, and in relationships. My Emmaus was Camp Gravatt, where significant people—laity, deacons, priests, and bishops—touched my life. I experienced those relationships in our daily life together and as we prayed and as we broke bread together at Holy Eucharist beside the lake. My journey toward priesthood began at Gravatt, and I have always gone back to that holy ground to make major decisions throughout my ordained life, including the decision to accept Bishop Beckham’s appointment as archdeacon in 1979.

The Ven. Frederick C. Byrd, now retired, served as archdeacon of the diocese from 1979 until 2005.

—“My Gravatt” continues on page 12.

You see, the other thing I told my parents that morning after my first session of camp was that “God lives at Camp Gravatt.” My father tried unsuccessfully to explain to a nine-year-old that God is other places also. I was convinced he resided in the woods of Aiken County. As an adult, I thankfully have taken to heart my father’s words and carry the knowledge and love of God with me daily. I thank Gravatt for clearly teaching me what it feels like to live in Christian community with others and for the confidence to seek it out. I know now that woven through all the events and days I spent at Gravatt for so many different reasons was God—living there.

Ms. Christine Tibshrany Koutrakos, former camper, camp staffer, board member, happener, and current Gravatt supporter and volunteer, is a member of St.John’s, Columbia.

Counselor Byrd in Bible study with his campers

9

Pentecost 2008

Crosswalk

Who’s who at Gravatt A sanctuary for the ministry of Christian formation and hospitality

Meet the staff, share their dreams Lauri S. Yeargin, How long you’ve been in your position: Since September 2007; before that I was summer camp Executive director in 2007 and assistant camp director in 2006.

Director How you came to work at Gravatt: I grew

Job Description: I supervise all aspects of operation of the Bishop Gravatt Center. My job changes from day to day, minute to minute. I spend my time supervising people, developing programs, greeting guests, ensuring our hospitality goals are met, budgeting, fundraising, managing our 260 acres, recruiting campers and staff, being visible in the diocese and Aiken community, writing newsletters, developing the Web site, managing construction, and on and on. I have learned more than I imagined in a short amount of time, and I continue to learn more each day.

up as a camper at Gravatt, participated in youth events as a teenager, and was on summer camp staff in the late 80s and early 90s. A few years ago I felt God calling me into ministry and had an urge to return to Gravatt, first as a volunteer and then on summer camp staff. I really believe God laid out this plan for me to be at Gravatt and I followed it.

Thomas K. Coleman, Program Director

education at Appalachian State, I joined Gravatt full time.

Job Description: I manage the Gravatt Adventure & Discovery Center Challenge Course and the Gravatt Environmental Education Program, serve as assistant director for summer camp, and assist with grounds maintenance, forestry, and land management. At one point my job description included handling nuisance animals. That’s not written in my description any more, but I think it’s still included.

How long you’ve been in your position: I’ve been in my current position for a year but full-time since 2004 as the challenge course manager.

How you came to work at Gravatt: I began at Camp Gravatt as camper in the early 90s, then became a junior counselor, counselor, and the summer camp ropes course director. After studying experiential

10

Your favorite spot and/or time at Gravatt: There are so many, it’s difficult to narrow it down. I suppose one of my favorite times at Gravatt was when I got married in Gravatt’s outdoor Chapel of

Your favorite spot and/or time at Gravatt: My two favorite places at Gravatt are on the Sparkleberry Trail or in a tree on the high ropes course.

The Sparkleberry Trail is so peaceful and there is always something new to see or experience. My favorite time at Gravatt is anytime during summer when there are campers here. Every day at Gravatt is different. Two memories that stand out are wrestling two goats and being a part of the recent chapel groundbreaking ceremony. Those two just kind of show how different two days at work can be.

Your dream for Gravatt’s future and your work: To continue to develop our programs and for Gravatt to grow and improve our programs, facility, and our service, and to continue to create atmosphere where are our guests are “coming home” to Gravatt.

the Holy Spirit. It was a perfect weekend. It’s magical for me to see my kids growing up here now. But on a day-to-day basis at camp—something I think more people can relate to—I have to say my favorite time is campfire and shalom circle. It’s been the same for as long as I can remember, and it feels like coming home when I stand in the circle of friends and look up into the gorgeous night sky. The vastness of God is truly evident to me there.

Your dream for Gravatt’s future and your work: I want Gravatt to be a place to which people come back. Of course, I want newer, better facilities, more programs, and more guests. But I also want Gravatt to keep its charm and the feeling that it gives people—campers, youth and adults—that they belong here.

Crosswalk Leah Lewis, Office Manager

Pentecost 2008

Roy Stewart, Director of Buildings & Grounds Job description:

My responsibilities involve maintenance and repairs and range from the conference center to camp side. I take care of the grounds, provide security for groups on weekends, and conduct nature walks on Sparkleberry Trail. I have also been known for my fried chicken.

How long you’ve been in your position: I’ve worked at Gravatt since 1975.

How you came to work at Gravatt: Job description: My responsibility at Gravatt is to manage the overall business operation including purchasing, personnel record-keeping, payroll, customer service, and communication with customers from all groups, as well as campers. I manage all financial records and inform our executive director of our income and expense status. Mine is the first voice you hear when you call Gravatt.

How long you’ve been in your position:

I was born here in 1956 when my grandfather was the caretaker. He did that for 44 years. I worked alongside him in 1975 as caretaker, until my grandfather passed away in 1979.

Your favorite spot and/or time at Gravatt: My favorite time is in the mornings, Your dream for Gravatt’s future and when the dew is lifting off the pond. To me it looks your own work: I have seen many good so beautiful and is very peaceful. My favorite place is Hattie’s Creek, because I like to look at the different plants and wildlife. That’s been my spot since I was a kid.

changes over the years. My dream for Gravatt is to keep providing a good environment for kids and adults, providing a ministry for them.

Diane Blocker, Hospitality Manager

prayers of various groups that come to Gravatt. At Gravatt I have fallen in love with every group, but the youth groups are my favorite.

Happening and the Whole Life Retreats have been the most inspirational. To meet teenagers who have placed God first in their lives is such a blessing.

I have been employed at Gravatt since August 2007.

How you came to work at Gravatt: I am originally from Texas, although I found my way to Aiken via St. Croix, USVI, where my husband and I lived for three years. Our very dear friend is from Aiken, and she asked us to come and remodel her home. I answered an ad in the paper for a position as office manager for the Bishop Gravatt Center and being new to the area, remember asking Executive Director Lauri, “What is the Bishop Gravatt Center?”

Your favorite spot and/or time at Gravatt: I have only been here for a short while but in that time I have found two favorite spots at Gravatt.

One is the view I have from my desk, through a large plate-glass window that looks out to Lake Henry, two bird houses on nearby trees, and the forest. I have counted 12 redbirds feeding under one tree, seen the leaves turn in the fall and burst forth in the spring, and reveled in the overall beauty of Gravatt. My second favorite place is standing under our champion Atlantic White Cedar tree, located on Sparkleberry Trail, looking up and listening to the running water in the creek next to it and being amazed at God’s work.

Your dream for Gravatt’s future and your work: My dream for Gravatt and me is to grow and continue to provide memories for all.

Job Description: At Gravatt my main responsibility is to uphold our mission of Christian hospitality. The first smiling face that you see at Gravatt is mine. I ensure that your lodging is satisfactory and your meals are excellent. The most important part of my job is to make certain that your event a Gravatt is successful and that you want to come back and see us.

How long you’ve been in your position: I have been a member of the Gravatt family since October 2007.

How you came to work at Gravatt:

I found out about Gravatt from a family member. I was skeptical about calling for an interview, but once I called and came out for my interview I fell in LOVE!

Your dream for Gravatt’s future and your work: My dream for Gravatt is for us to be

Your favorite spot and/or time at Gravatt: This job is a blessing for me because I

able to accommodate larger overnight groups. Gravatt has been a blessing to me and my family; we LOVE it here. I feel like this is exactly what God had in his plan for me. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.

have met some wonderful people, and my strength and faith in the Lord is rapidly growing through the

11

Pentecost 2008

My Gravatt

Crosswalk —continued from page 9

Adventure, discovery, changing lives

By Thomas K. Coleman

T

he Gravatt Adventure & Discovery Center is the Bishop Gravatt Center’s challenge course program.

The name says it all: adventure and discovery. Webster’s defines adventure as an “an exciting or remarkable experience” and discovery as “obtaining sight or knowledge of for the first time.” The Adventure & Discovery Center is unique in that it offers these experiences in the context of Christian formation, which is at the heart of Gravatt’s mission.

Just imagine . . .

The challenge course program is about adventure, the opportunity to try something new that will take you and your group to a place you’ve never been before. Just imagine wearing a harness, climbing to the top of a telephone pole, balancing as your group cheers you on, trusting that your rope and belayer—the trained staff member at the other end of your rope—will keep you safe, and finally making that jump off the pole to be lowered safely to the ground.

While your experience will no doubt be an adventure, the purpose of the program is discovery—of new skills, strengths, and relationships, as well as “life lessons” of the kind that change lives. The program consists of a series of activities designed to allow

It’s Happening at Gravatt!!

By Lisa Bailey and Zach Brown

O

ver the past eleven years, Camp Gravatt has become my second home. From the first week I spent at Gravatt as a camper in the summer of 1997 to less than a month later when I returned for a second session, I knew that Gravatt would be a place where I would return for years to come. Every piece of land on the camp side holds a special memory for me—the lake where I first learned to canoe, the pavilion where I participated in many talent shows, the old dining hall where I first had to clean up after myself while cruising, and, lastly, the tents where I learned how quickly a stranger can become a best friend.

Change & growth In tenth grade, I participated in the youth event called Happening, which takes place on the conference side of Gravatt. That weekend in March was the first time I turned down the dirt road and did not drive all the way to the tents and cabins of the girls’ side. (It was so weird coming to Gravatt and not returning home with a tie-dyed t-shirt!) That weekend I got to experience something entirely different and I grew as a person that weekend. It was extremely comforting to know that even though I was maturing as a person and moving on from the lower- and middle-school version of

12

participants to undertake both personal and group challenges while learning about teambuilding, communication, leadership, trust, and much more.

Debriefing following the experience helps participants process, internalize, and own their discoveries.

You take the high road . . .

The Gravatt Adventure & Discovery Center uses two types of activities to reach these goals—the low course and the high course. Most groups start on the low-ropes course. Low-ropes activities take place on or near the ground and are a combination of problemsolving activities, group initiatives, and debriefings. It is experiential education at its finest—action with a purpose and then reflection. A favorite way to finish the low-ropes experience is the team wall, which encourages groups to set a goal specifying the number of people who will want to attempt the climb over the center’s tenfoot wall, with the assistance and support of their group.

The wall offers groups a challenge that not only pushes them to use the teambuilding skills they been practicing during the day, but also makes them responsible for keeping their group safe.

Not height but strength The high-ropes course moves participants from working together as a team to encouraging one another as individuals. This course comprises a series of elements that has participants climbing in the trees for a different kind of experience—personal challenge with group support. Lynn Hill, one of the most decorated U.S. female rock climbers, once said: “Height has nothing to do with it; it is your strength that counts.” Although myself, I could look across the lake and see where my life and faith in Christ began when I was a child singing “Shalom” arm in arm as a community.

Energy & empowerment My favorite thing about Camp Gravatt, however, is that it is a place I can go to escape and every time I return home, I am re-energized to share not only my love of Gravatt, but also the joy of my faith in Christ.

Whenever life in Columbia gets crazy, I can picture the stillness of the lake and find comfort in the fact that even if I can not feel God in my life in that moment, he is present and I can find him for now in my memories of Gravatt.

This fall as I go off to college, I know the experiences I take with me are ones that I had at camp. The people I have met at Gravatt from my counselors in the summer, to my friends from camp, to the people I have met through Happening and other diocesan events, are more than friends and role models. These people are my family. No matter what, Gravatt will always be there for me and it is my home where I am most empowered by the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

Happener and former camper Ms. Lisa Bailey is a member of Trinity Cathedral, Columbia.

W

hen I was 5 or 6 years old, I can remember going to Camp Gravatt with my dad, the Rev. Rob

Hill was referring to rock climbing, this statement holds true for Gravatt’s high-ropes course, but the strength involved is not necessarily physical. The course is not about how high in our trees one might be able to climb, but about the personal and group strength developed in trust, teamwork, and mutual Photo: Jason Coleman; support, and the impact see page 19. these have on helping to overcome challenges and fears.

Challenging “bread” for the journey Gravatt’s Adventure & Discovery course can be easily adapted to meet the needs of any community of faith. Like the challenge courses, our spiritual journeys are filled with adventure and discovery. Both require trust and faith, communication with God through prayer, and working together in community. Grounded in these common themes, the Gravatt Adventure & Discovery Center shines new light on seasoned faith journeys and nurtures others in learning about spiritual journey and faith formation. Visit the Gravatt Adventure & Discovery Center to experience it for yourself.

Mr. Thomas K. Coleman manages the Adventure & Discovery Center challenge course and the Environmental Education Program at Gravatt.

Brown. My favorite thing to do was run all over the place! I can remember telling my dad that it would be absolutely awesome to live at Gravatt because your backyard was HUGE! Now that I am 17, some of my best weekends are spent at Gravatt. Some people think that weird because it’s a place where kids spend their summers, not their weekends.

Figuring out faith In fall 2006 Gravatt gave me something that I may never be able to pay back. I attended Happening #56 and that weekend has affected every moment of my life since. Happening is a faith-building weekend that is held every fall and spring. Happening is hard to explain.

A lot of people say there is some big secret involved.

There are surprises—that’s true—but the weekend is basically a bunch of crazy teenagers doing their best to figure out what faith really is.

The truth of it is that Happening owes a lot of its success to Gravatt. I can think of nowhere prettier in the Bible Belt where I would rather learn about Jesus. I would like to thank Gravatt for all it has done for me over the years. It truly has been a force in my life that has brought me closer to Christ.

Mr. Zach Brown, soon to be rector of Happening #60 in Fall 2008, is a member of St. Matthew’s, Spartanburg.

Crosswalk Gravatt redux

—continued from page 7

“reinvent” Gravatt. Out of that first encounter with staff came two more surprises. First, these anxious but dedicated young people were clearly our greatest asset; second, their suggestion of a project that subsequently made it to the top of our to-do list: the addition of restrooms to Stewart Hall.

Since construction workers were already on site, it was decided to proceed with the restoration, refurnishing and updating (making it Internet-friendly, for example) of Cole Lodge. It was a wiser decision than we could have imagined.

During the four months of April–July 2008, conference registrations have increased by a total of 47 percent and total projected revenues have nearly doubled. Surely these increases reflect, in large measure, Cole Lodge’s new ambience and the genuine hospitality of the staff.

Renaissance

Get to know, assess, and pay attention to the staff.

While construction and refurbishment were progressing, the board made some other critical internal choices and decisions. After an extensive search, the trustees, in the late spring 2007, appointed one of Gravatt’s own to be executive director: Lauri Yeargin, former and continuing head of the summer camp program. Yeargin, a long-term camper at Gravatt, was also married there, and found her childhooddream career at Gravatt. (See her story on page 8.) Her selection as executive director has turned out to be a truly visionary decision.

Meanwhile, the three-man board was also finding Gravatt’s Renaissance, now requiring two monthly board meetings, an increasing burden; to help, we urged Bishop Henderson and the Rev. Clyde Ireland (former and muchbeloved camp and executive director) to lend a hand. To our delight—somewhat to our surprise—both accepted. Not long afterward, Mr. Benton Williamson, a prominent Columbia attorney, also acceded to our persistent urgings that he join us. The resultant sharing of the board’s responsibilities was a major step toward the vision’s realization.

More recently still, Ms. Ellen Luton, a senior officer at an Aiken bank, attended her first Board of Trustees meeting— and, of course, has been given a committee assignment.

Start the search to fill the vacant position of executive director.

A priority of the Spirit

Photo: Jason Coleman; see page 19.

Priorities Still, it didn’t take long for the Transition Board to establish its priorities: Review what Gravatt is and what it should and could be; and develop an overall, doable plan for the continuation and enhanced purposes and services of the facility.

Reorganize and simplify the facility’s financials; create a working budget for 2007.

Prioritize the upgrading of existing facilities.

Review the discarded master plan for ideas as to the campus of the future.

Resolve issues between the suddenly competing operations and funding needs of summer camp vs. conference accommodations.

Start identifying qualified candidates for additional board membership.

The chapel was not on the list (but it was in the back of some minds).

Still more surprises We met with the staff first as a group and then individually in order to introduce ourselves and then reassure them of our determination to preserve and

It was about the time these internal matters were being addressed that the subject of a new chapel resurfaced—at first as a tentative “alternative” to other priorities, subsequently as a result of the board’s growing recognition of the need for this kind of holy space, its relevance, and its symbolic reaffirmation of Gravatt as holy ground. At some point the Holy Spirit took over. From board meeting to board meeting, the appeal—the necessity—of a chapel gradually moved from the wish list to feasibility consideration to the “let’s do it!” agenda. The vision was coming together.

A year and a half after being surprised by DEC, caught off-guard by the bishop’s appointments, and utterly astonished by the enormity of our task (and a coincident determination to succeed), we are a board numbering seven. We work well together, thanks to diversified talents and even dispositions, as is evident in what has already been accomplished at Gravatt—and by our excitement for what lies ahead. I think most trustees would agree that our initial challenges became opportunities, which themselves became individual, but cohesive, callings.

—continued on next page

Pentecost 2008

The Gravatt board speaks . . .

I first visited Gravatt 20+ years ago while attending a Cursillo weekend—in August.That time apart was a turning point for me, as it has been for many others. I returned the next year on Cursillo staff—in August, and have been back many times since. Gravatt offers that perfect mix of quiet place, wonderful staff, and comfortable food, for a time of fun and renewal. Many others have yet to experience our Gravatt, and the new chapel is but one step toward our future of providing, as the mission statement says, “a sanctuary for the ministry of Christian formation and hospitality.”

—Dr. Ron Gregory

My experience with Gravatt had been limited prior to my becoming a board member. I had my first visit in January of this year and was immediately delighted by the overwhelming sense of peace and tranquility. Gravatt is a lovely setting in which to escape the stresses of the modern world and focus on the gifts that God has granted us. Although I am not Episcopalian, I recognize the importance of the Bishop Gravatt Center. I am happy to be a part of anything that strives to develop and strengthen people’s relationship with God. —Ms. Ellen Luton Seeing the impact that Gravatt has had on individuals since I was in high school has made a lasting impression on me.That, along with the dedication of our staff, has left me no choice but to be involved in the transitioning of Gravatt to the campus it can be. I see Gravatt in the future hosting many people, 24/7, with new lodging, dining, and state-of-the-art conference facilities—all in a Christian setting with the new chapel as a focal point.

It’s not, however, about bricks and stucco, but about changing lives.

There has always been something special about Gravatt that makes a difference.This to me is the most exciting thing about Gravatt.

—Mr. Mitchell Tibshrany

13

Pentecost 2008

Gravatt, 1947-2008

Crosswalk —continued from page 6 In 1957 the Rev. Clyde L. Ireland introduced decentralized, small-group, coed camping.

Following the construction of four cottages in 1961, Gravatt’s ministry grew to include the hosting of year-round adult conferences.

In 1962 the Rev. Winfield Smith expanded the summer camping program with the use of tepees and covered wagons as shelters for older campers and added as well an end-ofseason travel camp to the Smoky Mountains. In 1966 Mr. Wallis Goodman began ministry as the first full-time resident camp director, living with his family on site. During this period the purchase of additional land resulted in Gravatt’s development as both a youth camp and an adult conference center.

Changing times The next few decades brought many changes to the diocesan camp and conference Center, as the facilities grew and improved to meet the increasing needs of guests. The addition of the Bishop Cole Lodge in 1982, the renovation of Cullum Hall in 1988, and the construction of a new chapel, donated by Mr. Bailey Dixon of All Saints’, Clinton, enhanced Gravatt’s charm and functionality as a conference and retreat center.

Improvements to the youth camp over the years have included the adventure ropes course, a river canoeing program, a lakeside chapel, bathhouses for boys and girls, and

Gravatt redux

—continued from page 13

Transfiguration On April 19 of this year, ground was consecrated and broken for the Chapel of the Transfiguration at Gravatt. The building, which is under construction as you read this, will be consecrated at the end of October. In 2009 and 2010, we have scheduled the construction of a second conference center facility, with larger capacity than exists at Cole Lodge. Targeted for 2010 and 2011 is a Nature Center, which will be part of the summer camp and of a new Environmental Education Program. Planned for 2012 and 2013 is a new dining hall/kitchen facility and the conversion of Stewart Hall to a welcoming center and site office.

additional cabins. The most recent construction is the Collett Dining Hall. The decade-long tenure of Mr. Mac Westmoreland as camp director, with his wife Jan serving as his assistant, contributed significantly to the summer camping program.

Other noteworthy influences on the camping program have been the Rev. Harry Lawhon, rector of Grace Church, Camden, the Ven. Frederick C. Byrd, archdeacon of the diocese, and the Rt. Rev. William A. Beckham, sixth bishop of Upper South Carolina.

A new era Tragically, Cullum Hall, which included Gravatt’s beloved Chapel of the Transfiguration, burned to the ground in 2003. In April 2008, the Rt. Rev. Dorsey F. Henderson, Jr., seventh bishop of Upper South Carolina, presided at groundbreaking ceremonies for a new chapel. Plans are now under way to complete the chapel and to build and renovate other buildings to meet changing needs and enhance Gravatt’s conference center facilities.

In 2006, three years after the Cullum Hall fire, the Diocesan Executive Council approved the Bishop Gravatt Center’s request to become an independent nonprofit organization focused on providing Christian ministry in the Episcopal tradition.

During the following year, improvements were made to the conference center, including the addition of restrooms to Stewart Hall, which houses the kitchen and dining hall, and the refurbishment of Cole Lodge.

Gravatt’s current executive director is Ms. Lauri Yeargin, a former camper and camp director. The Board of Directors are Mr. Peter Trenholm, chair; Dr. Ron Gregory, vice-chair; the Rev. Clyde L. Ireland, Ms. Ellen Luton, Mr. Mitchell Tibshrany, Mr. Benton Williams, and the Rt. Rev. Dorsey F. Henderson, Jr. The Rev. Clyde L. Ireland, who retired as executive director of the Bishop Gravatt Center in 1996, is a priest of the diocese. Sources used in the preparation of this article include A Historical Account of the Protestant Episcopal Church in South Carolina, 1820-1957,

by Bishop Albert Sidney Thomas; www.bishopgravatt.org, and “Gravatt: Hospitality, place, sacred space,” by Duncan C. Ely in the Epiphany 2006 issue of Crosswalk.

hold on my faith, even as I enjoy watching it come into fruition.

Gravatt is no longer the dubious possibility of three skeptical men studying a yellow master plan on a cold January day, not then thinking vision, but feasibility and survival. In a very short while, much of that vision has become a reality. Thanks be to God. Chair of the Gravatt Board Mr. Peter Trenholm is a member of Trinity, Abbeville.

Room for all Visions typically cost money. It is our hope that the Chapel of the Transfiguration will be funded by a small number significant of individual gifts, of which two, amounting to $150,000, or one-third of the estimated total cost, are in hand. Also promised are numerous smaller gifts for the furnishing and equipping of the chapel, plus some imaginative gifts of labor and material in kind.

A fund-raising campaign to supplement the remainder of the insurance proceeds from the 2003 fire and to allow us to more-than-double our conference capacity is in an advanced planning stage and is designed to make diocesan-wide participation in the vision as broad and as deep as possible.

Gravatt redux Gravatt redux is, so far, an unqualified success—starting with crisp new flags and, at long last, straight flagpoles. We are blessed with competent leadership, a devoted staff, and a spruced-up infrastructure but, most important, with a bold view of the future, part of which is under construction—the rest an irreversible commitment.

Gravatt has become for me a “late” calling, a vocation and ministry that has a fierce

14

Architect’s drawings for Gravatt’s new Chapel of the Transfiguration. Bishop Henderson broke ground for the new structure in mid-April of this year. Look for dedication and conse-cration in the fall!

Crosswalk Sabbath in scripture —continued from page 4 Therefore, insofar as God establishes sabbath as how the world is made and is to be, we see God himself setting the example in keeping it. While the language of Genesis 2:2–3 is anthropomorphic (although God is not a weary worker in need of rest like you or me), it means to teach us the necessity of keeping the sabbath ourselves by giving us the strongest possible example: God, who has set the pattern we are to follow.

Set apart This creation ordinance is then enshrined in the life of the people of God as the fourth of the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:8-11 (italics added): “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work; but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, or your manservant, or your maidservant, or your cattle, or the sojourner who is within your gates; for in six days the

Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and hallowed it.” At least three important notes are sounded in this comprehensive passage (note the highlighted words).

as slaves to sin, we were not always granted righteous rest, but we are in holiness obligated to grant this gift to others.

Humble turning to God

So Genesis establishes the divine rest called sabbath, and the other books of the Pentateuch establish its observance for God’s people. The prophetic books also reference and support this sabbatical legislation in a number of passages. Hosea 2:11 is a good example of how the prophets often critically link the sabbath with other appointed feasts, not to condemn the sabbath as such, but to condemn the misuse of it. “And I will put an end to all her mirth, her feasts, her new moons, her sabbaths, and all her appointed feasts.”

In the New Testament, we hear about sabbath primarily in the context of the ongoing tension between Jesus and the Pharisees. Like the prophets before him, Jesus does not contradict the Old Testament’s understanding of the place and purpose of the sabbath.

Instead, he is critical of the burdensome human traditions that had grown up over time around the observance of it. An example of this is Mark 2:23–28, which depicts Jesus and his disciples picking grain to eat on the sabbath, and includes Jesus’ saying that “the sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath.” The Pharisees had made observance of the sabbath more rigorous than God intended. Finally, underlying Jesus’ critique of this hyperscrupulosity regarding sabbath observance is the fundamental claim that it is not wrong to do good on the sabbath! John 5:1–18 and Luke 13:10–17 are good examples of this.

To heal is a work of mercy, and the Lord of the sabbath is merciful.

First, both here in the Decalogue and in other passages, it is made clear that the sabbath belongs to the Lord and is primarily his day. All else aside, the primary reason then for observing it is that it is a day that he has blessed and set apart as holy. It is not a day on which people are to do what pleases them, but rather to do the will of God. The sabbath is a means by which we cease and desist from the distractions of life which obscure or break our connection to God. In keeping sabbath we make our minds, bodies, and lives turn in humble obedience to God.

Blessing, gift, and obligation Second, sabbath is a gift of God to us for our rest and renewal in body, mind, and spirit. Don’t work all the time, says God! This is a gift to you specifically, and to you my people generally: I am blessing you by calling you to what you need—to stillness, and quiet, to rest, and rejuvenation. Enter into my rest.

But note, third, that this gift and blessing is not meant for me or you only, but for all people. There is definitely an ethical dimension to the biblical presentation of sabbath. It is pleasing to the will of God when we extend to others the blessings that he has extended to us. The man/maidservant and the sojourner are to be accorded this rest, too. The people of God are always to remember that, whether as slaves in Egypt or

—continued from page 4

[E]very day . . . is pure gift and Unhurriedly, lazily, delighting in the company of one another, without distraction or hindrance or interruption. Not having earned the closeness, not being rewarded with time off for good behavior, not “If you do this, I’ll do that,” but barrier-free, turned one to the Other, listening, paying attention, concentrating. God and image of God hand in hand in holy time and space, the Holy One present to us on this day in which we are most fully willing and able to live in the present, in that presence, slowly, slowly, the marking of this time making space for the apprehension of God’s grace and favor—for life: for our life, for the lives of all living creatures, for green growing things, for the waters, for the land and the lights.

Sacred time What if sabbath led to us to recollect the sacredness of all time; what if, through setting aside these 24 hours, we came to realize something that most any survivor of a life-threatening illness or accident will tell you.

Survivors will say this: “I used to think ‘Gosh, I wish today would hurry up and get over with. Will it never end?’ But my whole attitude is different now. Every single day is precious.” No more hump day, no more TGIF, which, of course, doesn’t mean that some days

Keeping the sabbath holy

The Rev. Ted Duvall is senior associate at Christ Church, Greenville.

© Hmproudlove | Dreamstime.com

Jesus and sabbath

Pentecost 2008

there’s not a moment to trash.

Waste maybe, but throw away, no. aren’t “better” than others (“I’ve had a really good day.”), but that in and of itself, every day of the week is pure gift and there’s not a moment to trash. Waste maybe, but throw away, no.

Connector and pathway What if we really saw sabbath as a connector, a pathway to the first day, to Sunday’s liturgy, our primary work, praying fervently that collect for Morning Prayer, saying, “Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven?” The sabbath then becomes a window to the eighth day, to the consummation of all time, as the clasp binding creation; it points toward humankind’s re-entry into Eden, unspoiled, unsullied, beyond state of mind— to our place of full being, as we have been created to be, as we are being created to be.

Community and beyond But what about the in-between time, between the sabbaths now and the eighth day, the Eden, to come? Is sabbath all about feeding me? Is it only for my personal enjoyment and enrichment, relief and refreshment or is there a much larger purpose? The seventh day has always been understood to be a communal occasion: first with God, with family, and friends, with those who “belong.”

However, because our Lord’s pronouncement that the sabbath is made for humankind is not only attached to the controversy of the grain-gathering disciples, but also is flanked, in Mark 3:1-6, by yet another countercultural scene—the sabbath-day miracle of healing a stranger’s withered hand—I believe that the day is meant also to be a time of widening our horizons, of noticing the impediments and impairments and limited life-conditions of others, including strangers, and of responding by calling out “Come here” and by going “there.” In its fullness the sabbath also becomes a hallowed day in which the impregnable barrier of hardness of heart is shucked off, the siren call of individuality is abandoned, the neediness of all creation is recognized, and our call to the work of its repair is attended to.

The Rev. Mary Moore Roberson is rector’s associate at St. John’s, Columbia.

15

Pentecost 2008

Invitation to sabbath

Crosswalk —continued from page 3

A different mode Sabbath is not necessarily a special day, although setting aside a day for worship has been a part of Christian tradition. Sabbath is a different mode, a different way of being.

Sabbath is about being in relationship with God and self, and it usually requires that we are intentional about that time. © hrotgers | stockxpert.com Although many rely on church to provide sabbath time, even our churches are culpable in the loss of this quality of time. While keeping communal sabbath times can call us into accountability and give us support for setting aside a day to be different, Sundays can be so full of programs and meetings that there is no time for sabbath. A worship service that does not make room for quiet reflection, for breathing, for a full use of all of the senses does not encourage sabbath. And if church is just another duty we accept, another thing we have to do to please God and others, another item on the list of things to be done on Sunday, then surely it will be difficult to find real surrender during that one hour.

Honoring sabbath

—continued from page 5

NOT business as usual Sabbath is so important to our overall health that taking a retreat at least once a year, if not more often, is vital. My favorite time of year for retreat is the week before Christmas when we are deep into Advent.

Retreats can vary in length and design, so it’s best to ask a trusted friend who has taken retreats regularly for suggestions that best suit the needs at hand.

The most important thing to remember about sabbath is that it is NOT business as usual. We don’t take a sabbath day to cook for our family or to do the laundry, nor do we take one to write a long overdue article or catch up on paperwork—if the intention is simply to do more, or a different kind of, work. Sabbath

Sabbath is a different mode, a different way of being. Sabbath is about being in relationship with God and self, and it usually requires that we are intentional about that time.

Intention, first So how do we get to the different mode of being?

First, we have to be intentional and make time. We can take mini-sabbaths, those daily times when we stop long enough to remember our divine image, to breathe in the gift we call life, to accept what is and be fully present.

This can be as simple as taking a three-minute “breathing break,” when we purposefully breathe deeply and attentively with eyes closed or entering into a longer meditation with holy reading and prayer. It could be a daily, meditative walk, intent on tuning in to God, or lingering over a cup of coffee for the purpose of cultivating a grateful attitude. We do not need to escape; all we need is available here and now if it is seen through the lens of grace and gift.

We can take longer sabbaths as well. We can claim a day, or at least half a day, when we slow down and attend to God or just “waste time” with God. We can start time is time spent with God. Sabbath time includes worship as well as leisure. Attending the liturgy is certainly an important way to find rest and renewal and to honor God. The Church provides for those needs on Sundays and other days, but we can also pray one or more of the Daily Offices, either alone or corporately, giving us time and space to experience little sabbaths with God. One of my favorite ways to spend time with God is in my garden. When the irises and day lilies are blooming, I enjoy sitting on the porch or walking around gazing at them. Of course, I enjoy getting my hands dirty pulling weeds and planting new additions to the beds as well. Taking a drive in the mountains or going on a hike are also ways to experience sabbath time. Walking slowly, paying attention to what’s underfoot, and stopping to look at each flower and tree adds to the benefits sabbath time. Just try naming the trees in the woods! It is important to appreciate each plant and animal with which we share the natural environment.

“It’s good.”

© Alexvalent | Dreamstime.com

16

A regular practice of sabbath helps to keep us from becoming the slaves to too much work. In today’s society, we all have far-too-busy schedules, but giving a little space for personal restoration and acknowledging that God is present even in our busyness is too important to ignore. Like God, we should be able to stop and rest and say, “It’s good.”

with a church service and continue by sitting on a porch laughing with friends, singing in the garden, taking a hike with the intention of looking for the beauty of God’s creation, or fixing and eating a ritual meal.

Re-membering We can take extensive sabbaths—long weekends or a week for deep restoration, for re-membering our relationship with God as an end in itself. It is often helpful to go away for these sabbath times so as not to be seduced by all that calls out from the “to do” list. And although few job paths actually offer one, those fortunate enough can take a sabbatical, those month or longer retreats designed to loosen stagnant imaginations, chip away at the roles that we play, and remind us of our true identity in God and in God’s design for our lives.

No substitute My experience in the chapel at Camp St. Christopher tells me that there is really no substitute for experiencing sabbath, so rich are its possibilities and complexities. Are we willing to trust that when we are achieving or producing nothing, God is still God and we are still okay? Good news awaits us when we enter true sabbath time: God’s love for us is always present and absolutely unconditional, totally independent of our works or productivity. Thanks be to God. Alleluia. © 2008 Amy Sander Montanez Amy Sander Montanez, D. Min., is a member of Trinity Cathedral, Columbia.

© Ljchris | Dreamstime.com It seems to me that what most of us really want to experience in life is a sense of contentment—the ability to live in the present moment without fear or anxiety.

During that summer in Juneau, in addition to my “whaling” adventures, I had several opportunities to go out on Maggie’s boat to fish for salmon. While we were trolling on Auke Bay, the world slipped farther and farther away. We were surprised occasionally by sea lions and dolphins, but fishing was at the heart of that sabbath time. We would bait the hooks, set the downrigger, and send the line into the deep unknown, waiting to see what would happen. That’s what shabbat is—a time to “bait the hook” and then wait for God’s surprises, fully expecting God to bless us in ways which will be more than we can ask or imagine.

Ms. Janet Atkins is a member of St. James, Greenville, and director of the St. James Center for Spiritual Development.

Crosswalk

Pentecost 2008

A sanctuary for the ministry of Christian Formation and hospitality

Around the Diocese —continued from page 2

Upper SC wins 12 awards from Episcopal Communicators

In a May 7 letter reporting the inhibition of Fr. Gray, Bishop Henderson explained that Fr. Gray, “effective immediately,” is “suspended from active ministry in this Church.” According to the terms of the inhibition, if Fr. Gray reverses his decision to leave the Episcopal Church within six months, the inhibition would be lifted.

Failing that reversal, at the conclusion of the six-month period, Bishop Henderson would either depose him or release him from his obligations and duties as a priest of the Church.

For the fourth consecutive year, Crosswalk has been named among the three best diocesan publications by the national Episcopal Communicators, who met in conference in April in Seattle. “Awards of Excellence” were given to Pamela H. Steude for best single feature photo for her photo on the back of the Pentecost 2007 issue; for the front cover of the Lent 2007 issue, based on a watercolor

by Philip C. Linder+, as best single illustration; and to “Best Non-paper Bethany Human for the Promotional Item”— 2007–2008 diocesan youth Magnet, pull-apart phrasecalendar magnet she maker, and the 2007–2008 designed—best “Non-paper diocesan youth calendar!!

Promotional Item.”

Other winners: Marjorie Campbell, “The Daily Office—Just Do It!” (Crosswalk, Pentecost 2007); John Nieman+, “The Prayer Book’s Crown: Our ‘Proper Liturgies for Special Days’” (Pentecost 2007); Jack Hardaway+, “Grace for the World,” watercolor, back cover (Advent 2007); Susan Heath+, “Blueprint for Hope,” book review (Lent 2007).

Amy Sander Montanez received two awards for pieces in her “In the moment” series for the e~DUSC electronic newsletter: “Anything but the Kitchen Sink” and “Love with Wild Abandon.” The Pentecost 2007

St. Christopher’s

The next chapter In response to the situation at St. Christopher’s, Bishop Henderson reconfigured his visitation schedule in order to celebrate the Pentecost liturgies there. “Let us,” he told the congregation, “gather to pray for a joyful renewal of life within us all—a rebirth of the family which is St. Christopher’s—and, to be sure, with fond remembrance of and thankfulness for all who have contributed to the life and witness at St. Christopher’s.”

Writing to the congregation as priest in charge later in May, Canon Bullock invited members to join together “in a guided visioning process that will quickly culminate in this community fashioning a renewed purpose statement and identifying in the most concrete of terms new priorities for ministry, mission, and common life. Re-equipped with this refocused identity and purpose,” he said, “St. Christopher’s will not only be in a dynamic position to move ahead in fruitful ways toward renewed parish status; St. Christopher’s will also be in an exciting position to invite others to join in on this new life.”

issue of Crosswalk, on The Book of Common Prayer, won an award for a series of articles on a single topic, and youthspace.edusc, our diocesan youth electronic newsletter was named among the best online publications.

“Best Single Feature Photo”—Pamela H. Steude’s umbrellas on the back cover of Crosswalk for Pentecost 2007

“Best Single Illustration”—The front cover for Crosswalk, Lent 2007, a mosaic of photos that together display Philip C. Linder’s painting “The Passion.”

—continued on page 18

H ow t o s u p p o r t G r av a t t

Keep Gravatt in your prayers.

Send your child to camp!

Visit us! Use the conference center yearround for your church retreats, picnics, and parish weekends as well as for other organizations and businesses in which you are involved.

Join the Friends of Gravatt Annual Fund. Please mail you donation to: The Bishop Gravatt Center, Inc, ATT: Friends of Gravatt, 1006 Camp Gravatt Road, Aiken, SC 29805, or donate online at bishopgravatt.org/contributions.asp.

Make a designated donation for the Chapel Fund or General Building Fund.

Become a Gravatt Ambassador, serving as a liaison connecting Gravatt and your home church.

Tell your school about the Gravatt Environmental Education Program, a field trip program for schools and youth groups.

Use this link for your online shopping, and part of your purchase price will be donated to Gravatt with no additional expense out of your pocket: www.visitourmall.com/gravatt.

Purchase Gravatt Series photography

by Jason Coleman: www.freewebs.com/ Photo: Jason Coleman jasoncoleman photography/. (To see more of Jason Coleman’s Gravatt Series in this issue, go to the front cover, pages 7, 12, 13, and just above, to the right.)

Purchase and wear Gravatt gear. We have tshirts, hoodies, bumper stickers, koozies, blankets, and more!

w w w. b i s h o p g r av a t t . o r g 803.648.1817

17

Pentecost 2008

Crosswalk

Around the Diocese 86th Diocesan Convention to focus on business, celebration, leadership October 17 18—Y’all come!

This year’s Diocesan Convention and Leadership Conference—“Equipped for Action: Changing Lives”— will take place at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center and adjacent Hilton Hotel on October 17 and 18.

Friday, October 17, will focus on the business of the diocese and wrap up in the evening with a grand celebration, complete with the Bishop’s Awards recognizing Upper South Carolinians who have made extraordinary contributions to the life and ministry of our diocese.

On Saturday, October 18, all who want to deepen their knowledge and skills for mission and ministry and to move their congregations to the next level of discipleship are invited to come and be energized and empowered as we take on Bishop Henderson’s four goals for a seamless transition, which he outlined at last year’s convention.

This will be a time to come together to worship, share stories of mission and ministry, and learn how each one of our congregations can move forward. Weaving together the Story we all share and the stories of our faith communities will be special guest and master storyteller the Rt. Rev. Charles F. Duvall.

Three Columbia hotels—Hampton Inn (803.231.2868), Rodeway Inn (803.779.7790), and Comfort Suites (803.744.4000)— have blocked rooms (Mention Diocesan Convention!), but you’d better move quickly: it’s football season and the rooms are going fast! Reservations may also be made at the Hilton Hotel (803.758.6051), the Radisson (803.731.0300), or the Clarion (803.771.8711). Visit the diocesan Web site, www.edusc.org, for full, up-to-date information.

Healthy Church Initiative way forward for Upper SC

has called on Upper South Carolinians to focus on four goals, three ministry priorities and a fourth “measuring stick,” as a faithful way to celebrate his leadership among us and as a reliable pathway into a healthy future.

Christian formation, congregational development, and mission (a.k.a., strategies for assertive evangelism) are the three priorities that the bishop has named for us, and the measure of how we progress in these is our work toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), eight goals agreed to in 2000 by 189 heads of state and governments, including the United States, to address extreme global poverty in the developing world.

At the heart of the priority for congregational development stands our diocesan Healthy Church Initiative.

“HCI” Begun more than a year ago through a generous gift to the bishop, the Healthy Church Initiative (HCI) brought church consultant Tony Watkins to the diocese. Since that time, Watkins has continued to meet with our congregations and communities to help them analyze what it would Tony Watkins, take to reach their most significant diocesan HCI goals as healthy, faithful Christian consultant congregations. In those cases where capital funds are called for to realize these mission goals, he provides professional fund-raising guidance as part of the bishop’s program.

To date, more than 44 of the diocese’s 65 congregations have availed themselves of Watkins’s expertise, and at least two of our congregations are in the process of building to realize their mission dreams.

18

The Reviews—bringing together the Plan’s guiding strategic vision with the original Covenant to refocus, to regroup, and to renew.

Resurrection business The business of the Church is resurrection, expressed in communion. HCI endeavors to put this business in the best possible position to succeed and to make sure that our diocesan vision of—that we are One Body, with One Mission: Changing Lives continues to be true.

This is the task to which the bishop has called every congregation and community in the diocese. Maturely formed Christians create healthy congregations, which in turn reach out in faithful and dynamic mission.

Amen!

The Rev. Michael A. Bullock is diocesan canon to the ordinary.

Youth deputies to Convention elected At the 85th Convention in 2007 Upper South Carolina joined a growing group of dioceses in the Episcopal Church in giving seat, voice, and vote to a selected group of young people. Convention adopted a change to the diocesan canon entitled “Lay Members of the Convention,” adding that lay members would now also include two youth deputies from each convocation, elected to a one-year term. The youth deputies would be confirmed members in good standing in their local congregations.

Plan, Covenants, Reviews The Healthy Church Initiative is not primarily about raising funds, but rather about establishing a disciplined process of strategic planning in each congregation, to the end that each local community in the diocese has a reliable map that concretely and publicly defines their mission and ministry. Through these strategic maps, each of our congregations can focus their vocational dreams and energies in a manner that truly changes lives.

In its essence, HCI seeks to establish fruitful partnerships among us for ministry and for mission. As such, the core of our movement toward congregational development through HCI includes three defining parts:

By Michael A. Bullock It has been rightly said that transitions are the only time for real, systemic change. Taking this truth to heart, Bishop Henderson marks his own transition as our diocesan bishop by taking concrete steps to complete his episcopacy in a manner that will present the healthiest diocesan Church possible to his successor. The bishop

relationships among the congregation’s leadership so that skills and experience may be offered in a productive partnership that fulfills the community’s purpose and ministry.

The Plan—engaging a congregation’s membership in a visioning process, the purpose of which to is to answer the key question: “What is the vocation of your church?”

The Covenants—describing how and by whom the Plan will be executed, defining the working

Delgates raise “YES” cards to vote to include two youth deputies per convocation to convention’s lay delegation.

The following were elected during a round of April convocation meetings: Ms. Liz Blake, Christ Church, Greenville (Reedy River Convocation); Mr. Zachary Brown and Ms. Sydney Buckner, both from St. Matthew’s, Spartanburg (Piedmont); Ms. Samantha Colman, Grace Church, Anderson (Reedy River); Ms. Catheine Collins, St. John’s, Columbia (Midlands); Ms. Lindsey Gause, Church of Our Saviour, Rock Hill (Catawba); Mr. Clarke Saunders, St. Thaddeus’, Aiken, and Mr. Brad Thompson, St. Bartholomew’s, North Augusta (Gravatt); and Mr. Philip Zion, St. Simon and St. Jude, Irmo (Midlands).

Crosswalk

Pentecost 2008

Around the Diocese Outreach and evangelism drive St. Michael’s consignment sales

With many hundreds of participants passing through over three days, it is a wonderful opportunity to reach potential new members. This year vestry members joined in by greeting buyers, handing out a flyer about St. Michael’s, answering questions, and inviting people to return for services.

By Doug Martin Twice a year for a number of years, St. Michael’s, Easley, has sponsored a children’s consignment sale. The sale is an Episcopal Church Women’s activity but men in the church participate as well. A percentage of the sales is distributed to local Christian ministries and charities (51 percent of the “profit”), and consignors generally donate unsold articles to local helping agencies.

The spring 2008 sale brought in more than $5,000.

The primary community beneficiary was Mary’s House, a shelter for battered and abused women in Easley.

Michael’s has been involved in the larger community effort of getting Mary’s House off the ground.

How to Any congregation can replicate this sale, which is a great tool for outreach and evangelism. Here’s how it works. Anyone can be a consignor and, at St. Michael’s, there are many repeat sellers. The sale is advertised by word of mouth, flyers distributed locally, and notices in the local newspapers. Over the years a thorough tagging system has been developed to expedite the sale and follow-up. The process also assures that the goods are in

M O N E Y

Mr. Doug Martin is a member of St. Michael’s, Easley.

Ashley Cummings and Deborah Lanford of Mary’s House (second and third from left) pose with friends from St. Michael’s: Shannon Keyes, sale coordinator; Anne Martin, ECW president, and the Rev. Jim Workman, rector.

excellent condition, clean, and appropriate to the season.

The sellers benefit from recycling items no longer needed and the community benefits from an economical supply of goods children need.

The entire process of setup, inspection, and acceptance of articles for sale, tracking, and the sale itself takes a full week of effort beginning after services one Sunday and ending in cleanup the following Saturday.

The sale takes place over three days, with an advance opportunity to buy provided to consignors and their guests. For the past two years Shannon Keyes has overseen the entire process with assistance from many members of the congregation.

T A L K

On the covers Front cover One of 28 photos by Web designer and photographer Jason Coleman in his “Gravatt Series.” To see all the Gravatt Series photos, visit www.freewebs.com/ jasoncolemanphotography/. The photographs are available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the Gravatt Annual Fund. Contact the Bishop Gravatt Center, 803.648.1817.

Back cover “Solitude,” by Roger W. Hutchison Solitude.

Sanctuary.

Silence. Sabbath.

In the quiet light of our kitchen, I squeeze the water . . . the sky . . .and the mountains onto my fingers.

The void is filled with blues and greens, silent whites, and listening browns.

Is it the destination? Is it the journey?

It is both. We walk the path together—God and Creation. We seek a place of refuge and peace . . . a place of Holy rest. Sabbath.

I am almost there.

Mr. Roger W. Hutchison is canon for children’s ministries at Trinity Cathedral, Columbia. To see more of his work, visit his blog, rogerhutchison.blogspot.com. Contact him at hutchison@trinitysc.org, 803.771.7300.

19

Pentecost 2008

Crosswalk The official publication of the Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina

I go among trees and sit still All my stirring becomes quiet around me like circles on water.

My tasks lie in their places where I left them, asleep like cattle.

Then what is afraid of me comes and lives a while in my sight.

What it fears in me leaves me, and the fear of me leaves it.

It sings, and I hear its song.

Then what I am afraid of comes.

I live for a while in its sight.

What I fear in it leaves it, and the fear of it leaves me.

It sings, and I hear its song.

After days of labor, mute in my consternations, I hear my song at last, and I sing it. As we sing, the day turns, the trees move.

—Wendell Berry “Solitude,” by Roger W. Hutchison. See “On the covers,” page 19.

Diocesan calendar

July

Copyright © 1999 by Wendell Berry from A Timbered Choir: The Sabbath Poems 1979–1999. Reprinted by permission of the publisher.

Oct

Sept

3

Deans/Lay Wardens to meet with Bishop Henderson

1

Diocesan House closed (Labor Day)

4

Continuing Education Day

4

Diocesan House closed (Independence Day)

6

DYLC meeting, St. Luke’s, Newberry

5

Bishop Henderson’s visitation to St. Christopher’s, Spartanburg Reedy River Convocation meeting, Redeemer, Greenville

14

Bishop Henderson’s visitation to Holy Cross, Simpsonville Piedmont Convocation meeting, St. Christopher’s, Spartanburg Midlands Convocation meeting, St. Mary’s, Columbia

12

Bishop Harris’s visitation to Resurrection, Greenwood Bishop Henderson’s visitation to Grace Church, Camden

8 - 13 Episcopal Youth Event, San Antonio,TX 10

Celebration of New Ministry, St.Andrew’s, Greenville

13

Bishop Henderson’s vistation to St. Barnabas’, Jenkinsville Piedmont Convocation meeting, St. Margaret’s, Boiling Springs

16

Lamebeth Conference through August 3

15-17 21

21-23 Midlands Convocation meeting, St. Luke’s, Newberry 26

Gravatt Convocation meeting,All Saints’, Beech Island

Aug Bishop Henderson on vacation during August 3

26-28 28

Fall Clergy Retreat, Lake Logan, NC

17-18

86th Diocesan Convention, Columbia Metropolitian Convention Center

Bishop Henderson’s visitation to St.Andrew’s, Greenville Catawba Convocation meeting, Christ Church, Lancaster

19

Bishop Harris’s visitation to Good Shepherd, Greer

Junior High Fall Retreat, Gravatt

20

Diocesan House closed

23-26

Cursillo #111, Gravatt

25-26

“24”, Senior High Youth Event, Gravatt

Gravatt Convocation meeting, Our Savior,Trenton

Catawba Convocation meeting, St. Matthias’, Rock Hill Reedy River Convocation meeting, Redeemer, Greenville

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

DEADLINE for next issue of Crosswalk:August 15.

Send submissions to phill@edusc.org Send photos to photos@edusc.org Send items for the calendar to bhuman@edusc.org

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 848 Columbia, SC