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May 8, 2012
From the Field
is a weekly eNewsletter of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia sent out each Tuesday.
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On April 29, the Rev. Michael White baptized Isla Williamson and Jacob Reeves, two greatgrandchildren of Bishop Albert Rhett Stuart, the sixth Bishop of Georgia at Christ Church Episcopal in Savannah.
Christ Church, Savannah
Remaining Legal Issues Resolved
The Diocese of Georgia announced on Friday May 4 that it has resolved the remaining issues between the Diocese and Christ Church Anglican, the group that separated from The Episcopal Church in 2007 while remaining in the church building on Johnson Square until last December.
As a part of the resolution the Diocese withdrew its motion for contempt filed last month after the breakaway group had failed to turn over all of the property won in the court case and Christ Church Anglican, the congregation which departed, withdrew its petition for review by the U.S. Supreme Court.
"We are pleased that these remaining issues could be resolved and that all parties can move on," said the Right Reverend Scott Anson Benhase, Bishop of Georgia. "We wish the congregation that departed God's grace and peace."
 Christ Church Episcopal's Rector, Michael S. White, said, "We are a community of faith and a Church centered in worship and service to God and God's world. We remain saddened that our brothers and sisters decided to leave the Episcopal Church. Our Church is diminished by their absence and by the loss of their voice in our midst. One of the great strengths of the Episcopal Church has always been our ability to live in Christian love and unity even in the midst of diversity of thought and interpretation. Even though some have chosen to walk apart from us, our prayers and good wishes are with them. We continue to consider them our brothers and sisters in Christ and will hold them in our prayers as they seek to follow the path that they feel called by God to take."
The full text can be found online here.
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Above, Bishop Benhase is shown in a joint meeting of the Commission on Ministry and Standing Committe in the chapel at St. Mark's Brunswick. The two groups are charged by the Canons with roles in the approval of those seeking ordination in The Episcopal Church. Some of the fruit of their labor is seen in the upcoming ordinations announced below.
Diocesan Office Update
Bishop Benhase and Canons Hall and Logue are at Honey Creek for the Spring Clergy Conference which will conclude today for most, with the Bishop and some others remaining for tomorrow's meeting on Latino Ministry.
This Friday and Saturday, Bishop Benhase and Canons Hall and Willoughby will meet with the Diocesan Council at St. Matthew's, Savannah.
Bishop Benhase's eCrozier from last Friday "Those who disagree with us are not necessarily immoral" is online here: eCrozier #134
This Sunday, Bishop Benhase will make his visitation to St. Paul's, Savannah, in the morning and St. Bartholomew's, Burroughs, in the afternoon.
Canon Logue travels this Thursday through Saturday to Trinity Wall Street for an Episcopal Evangelism Network meeting and on Sunday he will travel to Memphis for a meeting of canons and others who work with clergy deployment and congregation transitions in Province IV (the southeast US).
Canon Willoughby has met with the Finance Committee this week reviewing current financial statements and gift policies in preparation for Diocesan Council at St. Matthews on Friday and Saturday. The March 30th year to date financial reports for Diocesan operations and Honey Creek can be found in the reference library on the website.
 Bishop Benhase with confirmands at the Southeast Convocational Confirmations at St. Mark's, Brunswick.
Convocational Confirmations in Eastertide
Savannah | May 12th | St. Matthew's | Savannah | 4 p.m.
Central | May 19th | Christ Church | Dublin | 4 p.m.
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Grace, Waycross
Bishop's Visitation
Bishop Benhase, the Rev. Kit Brinson and confirmands.
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Seven Ordinations in Two Services in June
God willing and the people consenting, Bishop Benhase will ordain Joy Davis of St. Paul's Albany, as a deacon on June 2 at 4 p.m. in a liturgy at St. Paul's. Then on June 30, at 11 a.m. a diocesan ordination at Christ Church, Savannah, will ordain six more deacons. Cathy Henderson of St. Peter's Savannah will be ordained a deacon with five others who are being ordained to the transitional diaconate-Lyde Andrews a US Army Chaplain, Kelsey Hutto of Trinity Statesboro, Gary Jon Jackson of St. Mark's Brunswick, Steve Larson of St. Paul's Jesup, and Charles Todd of St. Paul the Apostle Savannah. |
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Spring Clergy Conference
The clergy of the Diocese are currently at Honey Creek for the Spring Clergy Conference with Call to Action Coaching. Clergy Conference will conclude today for most, with some others remaining for tomorrow's meeting on Latino Ministry. You can see more photos from Spring Clergy Conference on the Diocesan Facebbok page.
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Abbott name Dean of Central Convocation
 Bishop Benhase announced Sunday to the Clergy Conference that he has named the Rev. Gary Abbott to follow the Very Rev. Louis Miller as Dean of the Central Convocation. In making the announcement Bishop Benhase gave thanks for Miller's good and faithful work as Dean since being named to the position in 2007. Miller is retiring on reaching his 72nd birthday, as required by the canons, but will continue in ministry serving two yoked missions in the Diocese of Upper South Carolina.
The new dean, Gary Abbott, grew up in Waynesboro, Georgia. In 1969, he was graduated from Mercer University with an AB degree in Christianity and History. He earned a Masters in Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth Texas in 1972 and a Doctor in Ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1978.
Abbott began his ministry as associate pastor at First Baptist Church in Washington, Georgia. He served Baptist churches in Hogansville, Harlem, Hawkinsville, and Milledgeville. In 2001, he left First Baptist Church in Milledgeville. That year he and his wife, Billie, were confirmed at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Hawkinsville.
Abbott was ordained a Deacon in 2002 and on August 1 of that year was named by Bishop Louttit as Deacon in Charge of St. Luke's Hawkinsville. He was ordained to the priesthood in February 2003. Abbott's Anglican studies took place in four summers at Sewanee and one summer of study at Virginia Theological Seminary.
In 2010, Abbott became the first Rector of St. Luke's when the congregation moved to parish status after well over a century as a mission of the Diocese. He serves as the chaplain for the Pulaski County Sherrif's Office having previously served as chaplain to the Baldwin County Sherrif's Office. He also Represents the Diocese on the Episcopal Church's Province IV Disaster Preparedness Commission and is an elected member of Diocesan Council.
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The Rev. Rick Buechner Retires
After nearly a quarter century as the parish's rector, the Rev. Buechner retired April 15 from All Saints'. The photo above shows children of the parish giving Kathy and Rick a painting, below are photos of a congratulatory hug from Bishop Benhase and a packed church of more than 240 worshippers.
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General Convention
Listening Sessions Continue
The Diocese of Georgia Deputies to the General Convention, along with Bishop Benhase, have held four of the six planned listening sessions as they prepare to represent the diocese this summer. Twenty people attended the most recent session at St. Mark's, Brunswick (pictured above). The format for each of the sessions is the same. The Bishop and Deputies present spend the bulk of the time available to hear comments from any lay person or clergy of the Diocese on any of the matters coming before the General Convention.  It is not a time for questions, but for listening to comments. Those speaking are not to reference what others have said in their comments, but to confine themselves to their own statements for the Bishop and Deputes. Then time permitting, the Bishop opens the session up for deputies who wish to speak to do so and he also offers his own perspective on the convention and matters coming before it including a proposed rite for same gender unions and proposals to restructure the General Convention. The remaining schedule for the listening session is 10 a.m. to 12 noon in the following churches: May 12 - St. Matthew's, Savannah
May 19 - Christ Church, Dublin One need not attend a listening session to be heard by the Diocese of Georgia Deputation. The email address deputies@georgiaepiscopal.org was created so that an email sent to it forwards to the four clergy deputies, four lay deputies and first alternates as well as Bishop Benhase. More complete information is at our deputation's website which will be used to keep the Diocese of Georgia updated before, during and after this summer's General Convention: |
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EYCS College Scholarships Deadline Approaching for 2012-2013
Please visit the web site of Episcopal Youth and Children's Services, www.eycs.org to obtain the necessary forms. Applications should be completed, including a parish priest's signature, and mailed to The Diocese of Georgia, 611 E. Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31401 and must be received by the EYCS no later than May 31st.
Submitted by Debbie Carson, Publicity Chairman of EYCS
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Trinity, Statesboro
All Together Sunday
On April 29th it was Altogether Sunday at Trinity Statesboro. Members of the Parish were challenged to ask members and visitors to lunch,(dutch treat), for fellowship after the service. There was very good attendance and participation. Pictured above is Duke Miles, Michael Wood, Jack Orman, Loretta Brandon, and Ann Hamilton, who enjoyed a good meal and great fellowship at The Milhouse in Statesboro.
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OSH Convent, Augusta
Ascension Day Festivities
May 17, 11:00 am
On Ascension Day each year, the Sisters of St Helena enjoy the presence of so many of you who have traveled with us over our 65 years of existence. Ascension Day 2012 marks the 46th anniversary of the dedication of our "Chapel of the Ascension." Celebrate with us on Thursday, May 17, at 11:00 for Holy Eucharist, with OSH Sisters, the Rev Ellen Francis presiding and the Rev Carol Andrew preaching. As you know, a mighty fine buffet lunch follows the service. We will take up an offering that day, which will be dedicated toward building the new guest house in North Augusta. As always, we ask your presence and your prayers, the mutual gift we share with one another.
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A Collect for Cell Phones
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, before whom all the earth waits in silence: May we join with all of your creation, in silence gathered here before you, muting our cell phones and other electronic devices, so the that our supplications and prayers may rise unhindered to your presence; through Jesus Christ the Living Word, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting, Amen.
Br. James Patrick Hall, BSG |
St. Mark's, Brunswick
Eucharist on Board Ship in Port
The International Seafarers' Center (ISC) in Brunswick, GA, has a new voluntary Port Chaplain! The Rev. Al Crumpton, Associate Priest of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, has joined the group of voluntary Chaplains to provide spiritual guidance and pastoral care to merchant mariners and the crew of U.S. flagship carriers that come to our shore.
 The ISC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is an ecumenical Christian ministry that strives to provide seafarers a home away from home at two of its hospitality and recreational centers located on Newcastle Street in Brunswick and on Colonel's Island. Annually, over 13,000 seafarers land on our shores in Brunswick and the numbers are increasing! This is due to the rise in the number of cargo ships and automobile carriers that dock in our port.
Seafarers are like the "forgotten sheep" as they are constantly unseen until they come ashore. Out in the world's oceans, they face the perils of storms, hurricanes, tsunamis and live in very restricted environments. They spend 6-10 months a year at sea, away from their home countries, families and friends. At times, the conditions on the ships are dire where there is lack of food, communication or medical care. In spite of the conditions, the seafarers' work long and hard to ensure that the goods we often enjoy and take for granted, such as automobiles, paper, grains etc., are delivered to us on time and maintained in great condition.
 Since its establishment in 1982, the International Seafarers' Center in Brunswick has risen up to the occasion to meet the needs of these mariners. The two hospitality centers provide rest and relaxation for mariners, free clothing and apparel, medical attention where necessary, and two convenience stores to provide for their immediate needs. The ISC also operates transportation services to mariners who are able to disembark to go shopping. Over 90 dedicated volunteers (including snowbirds) from all over the U.S. help at our two centers throughout the year.
 The ISC Chaplaincy program aims to provide spiritual guidance, religious services, and bible study classes to seafarers who yearn to stay in touch with Christ or for those who wish to know Christ. We have Bibles in 56 different languages that we give away freely to those who want them. Rev. Al Crumpton recently went onboard the Star Fuji for a tour and was delighted that her Captain requested a Communion service to be held onboard the ship for the crew. At 7.00p.m. on a Friday evening, Fr. Al boarded the ship once more with a communion kit in hand. He also brought along the Gospel reading for the day that was written in Tagalog, the language of the Filipino crew. Fr. Al had one of the crew read the Gospel who did an excellent job in expression and conviction. Communion was then administered. The Captain and his crew were so impressed and grateful that they took Fr. Al, his family, and another ISC Volunteer on a tour of the entire ship.... including the bridge! What a wonderful ministry it is to serve those who risk their lives daily so that we may live ours in comfort.
This article is submitted by Valerie Crumpton, Executive Director of the International Seafarers' Center and wife of the Rev. Al Crumpton, assistant rector of St. Mark's Brunswick. For more information please visit our website at www.seafarerscenter.org
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Olivia de Havilland on Reading in Church
 As Anglicans, we stongly believe in the power of scripture and the importance of reading scripture in our worship. Our worship has a dual emphasis of both Word and Sacrament and a significant amount of sacred scripture is read each time we gather to worship. Having the scripture read so that all hear and understand is then very important to liturgy done well. (Mimi Jones is pictured reading the Epistle at Christ Church Episcopal, Savannah)
I remember being struck by how well the readings in worship were done when I first visited Virginia Theological Seminary. There was a reading from a complicated argument being put forward by St. Paul in his letter to the Romans which I heard so clearly that it was compelling in a way I had not previously encountered. I was struck then by the power of scripture itself to strike a chord before anyone comments on it. The sermon that day was not on the reading from Romans, yet I left the chapel still ruminating on the reading as well as on the Gospel on which the sermon did focus.
 Oscar winner Olivia de Havilland (pictured here and below) has been for many years a lay reader at our Cathedral of Holy Trinity in Paris. Recently, the Rt. Rev. Pierre Whelon, Bishop in Charge of the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe, wrote an essay for Anglicans Online on his interview with her on how she prepares to read in church. She says in part that "reading the Scriptures in church has to be an authentic proclamation of the reader's faith. Preparation is essential - there are far too many last-minute readings in our churches."
 She points out what a difference it makes for the reader to pray through the text and wrestle with its meaning before proclaiming the text in worship. The full article is well worth reading. It is online here Reading the Bible as a Statement of Faith. The award winning actress does not recommend a dramatic reading, but reading must flow out of the faith of the reader. Yet she does come around to an actor's understanding. She told Bishop Whelon "I once asked Jimmy Cagney, 'just what is acting?' He said at first, 'I dunno...' But then he said, 'All I know is that you have to mean what you say.'"
In Romans 10:14 Paul writes, "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" But lay readers should also know that in their public proclamation of God's Word that a congregation can also hear and so come to believe.
I know that nothing is more formational than encountering the Word of God and so nothing can be more foundational to our liturgies than scripture read well. I commend this essay to all who read scripture in our congregations.
The Rev. Frank Logue
Canon to the Ordinary
The Loose Canon is a regular column in From the Field whose content is gathered together with other items of interest to those concerned with congregational development at loosecanon.georgiaepiscopal.org
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 This is a typical camp experience for children of current or formally incarcerated parents. It is offered at no cost to children who are nine to eleven years old.
The dates for the camp are: July 22nd through July 27th 2012Location: Episcopal Camp and Conference Center, Waverly, GA Requests for applications are being received now. Completed applications must be returned by May 31st, 2012.
Kamp Phun is a ministry in the Diocese of Georgia.
For applications please contact:
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Legacy Society
Next Legacy Seminar in Albany May 22
Rich Where It Counts
The Legacy Society of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia is pleased to welcome nationally known Charles V. Douglas to lead the 1st annual Legacy Society Seminar series. Charlie believes that 'true wealth' requires more than financial assets but rather the harmonic blend of both financial capital and spiritual capital.
Please come, visit with Charlie, welcome him to our faith community and listen as he shares his thoughts on how to put together a 'principled legacy', a true prescription to prosperity, one that's good for the soul.
* St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Albany
* Tuesday, May 22nd
* 5:30pm to 6:00 pm light refreshments
* 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm discussion
PLEASE JOIN US!
Charlie Douglas is a Senior Trust and Fiduciary Specialist at Wells Fargo Private Bank. He has over 25 years of experience in financial, estate, corporate, tax and charitable planning, guiding clients in growing, protecting and transferring their wealth. He has published numerous articles on the subject in NAEPC Journal of Estate and Tax Planning, CCH Journal of Practical Estate Planning, Wealth and Retirement Planner, NAEPC Journal of Estate and Tax Planning WealthCounsel, and others. Charlie's book titled Rich Where it Counts addresses the importance of understanding one's real wealth with an eye on abundance, not scarcity and thus empowering 'real wealth' transfer.
The first event will be:
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so we can feature them in upcoming issues
of From the Field.
Sincerely,
Diocesan Staff
The Episcopal Diocese of Georgia |
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