The words of the stations reflect the passion in a way that the writers of each reflection approach the gospel call to care for the people of the world who are abandoned, abused, oppressed, or forgotten. The words are designed to create a sense of compassion and attention to those whom society easily forgets, but the words also call us to faithful responses to Jesus's call to solidarity with all of God's people and creation.

Members of the Beargrass Deanery read the reflection for Station V at Theatre Square. Left to Right: Camille Norman (holding sign), Erendira Jimenez-Pike, Adam Pike, Michael Seewer, Mary Abrams, and Maria Accardi

This year, the Beargrass Deanery of the Diocese of Kentucky hosted the fifth station: Simon Helps Jesus Carry the Cross. Led and organized by Rev. Dr. Tim Mitchell, Rector of Church of the Advent, members representing the Deanery read a reflection on this station that connected its message to those suffering from inadequate food. Here is an excerpt from the reflection: "Throughout Scripture, God offers abundance and an end to hunger. Most Christians know well the gospel story of the loaves and fishes, the miracle feeding story that reminds us that God sees the abundance that already exists. Food pantries are a fundamental way of sharing the abundance."

Those who attended include Father Tim, Amanda Gissendaner, Maria Accardi, Constance Merritt, Michael Seewer, Joe Proctor, Adam and Erendira Jimenez-Pike, Camille Norman, and Mary Abrams, many of whom attended for their second year in a row. "It has always been a rewarding experience to observe this Good Friday tradition with other Christians from around the city, and connecting Christ's suffering to those who suffer in our world in the here and now." They look forward to the event again next year.

To see more photos from the event, visit Advent's website or Facebook page. 

More than 50 people, many from other Episcopal churches, came to St. George's Episcopal Church in Parkland on Sunday for a prayer vigil that focused on the nearby shootings last Thursday.

Bishop Terry White, who heads the Episcopal Diocese of Kentucky, helped lead the service, calling on those present to "redouble our efforts to be peacemakers."

The church supports St. George's Community Center, which tutors young people and helps them explore their passions to find career paths and research higher-education options.

"Add to your prayers those who work here," White said to those gathered in the small church. "They are servants on the front line, fighting against all the forces of wickedness that would like to steal life."

Mary Jones Carter, a church member for 48 years who now serves as senior warden, said after the vigil that she was flabbergasted when she heard of Thursday's shootings but believes there are ways to stop violence.

"Our message should be to other churches and other people is that we have to work together to find an end to the madness," she said. "We have programs and do a lot here, but there needs to be more to channel young people into positive things that they can do."

She said last year's closing of the Boys & Girls Club located near the site of Thursday's shootings was a loss to the community and the children and their future.

"There is a need to teach children that they are worth something and what life can really be for them," Carter said.

The community center's executive director, Arthur Cox, echoed those sentiments, saying that he and others at the center are working for children to "be that extra defense against the street."

He added the Boys & Girls Club was an entity that helped do the same.

"Young people need a safe place to come and learn how to be good citizens and reinvest in community. That's hard to do when violence plagues an area," he said.

White said the call for community involvement coincides with a remembrance of the church's re-emergence in the 1960s, years after it had closed. It happened after a night in May 1964, when about 150 boys broke into the long-closed gymnasium to play basketball. The next year, the diocese decided to begin holding weekly events for young people and the community center was born.

Yesterday's vigil was already on the calendar to commemorate that founding, he said.

But he added that the "horror of the last few days" led the congregation and the diocese to address the violence as well.

The Rev. Mark Bourlakas of Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral on Second Street downtown also participated in the vigil.

"The innocent are not only affected by the actual violence but by the threat of violence, the tendrils that go out and strangle the community. And that can also send us to colder positions where we don't want to talk about it; we want to blame somebody," he said.

He added that he believes this community can do better.

"We're only as strong as we're able to care for the weakest and most vulnerable among us," he said.

Click here to read the original article

Shortly before her ordination, Katherine received word that she would be serving as deacon to Calvary Episcopal Church in downtown Louisville.

 She began her work today, June 1st, "welcomed warmly with

enthusiasm" by Father Jon and the staff of Calvary. 

Father Jon said in a letter to his congregation that Deacon Katherine "will share the full range of ministry, taking her part in the celebration of said and sung services, preaching, and, taking responsibility for and developing programs of Christian education and fellowship for the adult members of the parish." 

Elbow deep in boxes as Katherine moves into her new office, she said how much she's "looking forward to being a part of the ministry of 

Calvary", and how she wants to share her how much she "appreciate all the support [she's] been given by all the people of the diocese and welcome the continued prayers as [she] begins her ministry."

By Donna Groves

Republished from: West Kentucky Star

Sister Jane Mankaa and Rev. Canon Elizabeth Geitz PHOTO:Donna Groves

Sister Jane Mankaa and The Rev. Canon Elizabeth Rankin Geitz may initially seem an unlikely pair. But the more one talks to the soft-spoken Anglican nun from west Africa and the Episcopal priest from Pennsylvania, the more one sees their similarities - an unwavering faith in God and a fiery passion on behalf of a group of orphans in Cameroon.

Rev. Geitz first met Sister Jane about 12 years ago when she was giving a workshop at her church.  "She came here (to America) with a dream in her heart, a vision in her head and $25 in her pocket," Geitz explained when the two were in Paducah last weekend to speak at Grace Episcopal Church, where her brother, Paducah allergist Dr. Brad Rankin is a member.

When the two first met, Sister Jane was studying convent  management to enable her to start  an order of nuns for the sole purpose of starting an orphanage for the many children in her country who were dying. While getting her education, Sister Jane stayed with the community of St. John Baptist in Menden, New Jersey. "While she was here, they took her to different churches, where she gave a presentation and played her African drums. And I saw her and was immediately drawn to her. I'd never met anybody like her."

The relationship has been very beneficial to the orphans, according to Sister Jane. "Without her, I think we would not have accomplished what we now have accomplished. Before she knew me, the children were sleeping about 8 in a bed but now each child has a bed to sleep on."

Geitz said Sister Jane is giving her too much credit. That, she says, is the result of many people's efforts through an American advisory board she formed for the orphanage. 

While on a sabbatical in 2008, Geitz and two other laywomen in the Episcopal Church decided to visit the Good Shepherd Home in Cameroon.  After the long plane ride, it took eight hours by van to make the 200-mile trip to the orphanage. "When we rounded the bend into the home, there were 50 children all dressed up in their Sunday best jumping up and down, screaming, clapping, laughing. Then when we got off the van, they started singing songs, hugging us. They had their little arms around our waists. We were holding the babies. Tears were streaming down our faces. Then they performed for us. They performed songs. Teenagers were playing drums and dancing... I have never experienced anything like it."

Sister Jane explains that the children were happy to welcome the American women into what they see as their home. "We know that these are children that have gone through a lot - their parents dying in their hands. Coming to Good Shepherd is to give them love, love which they could not have somewhere else. ... We take care of them as if they are our own children."

When Geitz returned home, she felt compelled to share their story and ended up writing a book, called "I Am That Child,"  which tells the stories of some of the orphans in their own words. "When I arrived back in the United States, I said, 'What can I really do that might make a difference in these children's lives?' I'd always heard that all we can do is just to use whatever gifts God has given us and use it for the greater good. I was a writer, so I wrote."

The last chapter of her book is entitled, "Joining the Journey." "So when they get to the end, there are 14 ways for them to join the journey with me and become involved in helping the children of this orphanage or helping the people of Cameroon," Geitz said. She notes that one way  to help is by sponsoring a child for $30 a month.

"We have 140 children in two different homes, " explained Sister Jane. "There are 40 children in a special home for special needs children who are infected (with HIV) or who have epilepsy. And we take good care of them in a special way. We have 100  who live in the city of Pamenda."

Sister Jane is quick to explain that the orphans are not up for adoption. "We don't adopt our children because we are a family," she says. "It's hard to give your child away. I love all of them. We keep them." 

Some of Sister Jane's 'children' have already graduated from what we would consider high school and are pursuing a higher education. "There are some already in university. They are aspiring to be medical doctors, teachers. Each one of them has a dream, and I believe it will be accomplished."

For more information on the Good Shepherd Home, go to abangoh.org. 

Click here to read the original article.

This Saturday Bishop Reed will join his predecessors in having a part of the Episcopal Church Home (ECH) campus dedicated to his service in the diocese. 

In a service led by Bishop White the Memory Care East Neighborhood will officially be renamed Bishop David B. Reed Neighborhood  and will don a new plaque to the left of its entryway.

ECH CEO, Mrs. Anne Veno, stated her "deep gratitude and appreciation for Bishop Reed for the many years of service he's provided the Episcopal Church Home over the many years." She would personally like to invite any and all good Episcopalians and those who know or have ever worked with Bishop Reed to join them in his historic event.

ECH would like to share their appreciation for all the support from Bishop Reed and the entire diocesan staff.

 The event will be led by Bishop White and ECH CEO Anne Veno. 

For only the second time in British History a monarch will celebrate a Diamond Jubilee (the last being Queen Victoria).  To honor our Anglican Heritage and do something fun, we will be part of the official five days of Jubilee (June 2-6) celebrations.  St. Luke's Chancel Choir and singers from St. Francis in the Fields and Christ Church Cathedral will sing Choral Evensong in honor of Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee on Saturday, June 2 at 5:30pm.  We will also use the Anglican Prayer Book of 1662 which is still the official Prayer Book of the Church of England.  Anthems and hymns from previous Jubilee services as well as Queen Elizabeth's coronation will be sung at the service. 

Ben Badgett with wife Kendall and son Edward

On Wednesday June 13th, Ben Badgett will take his final vows and, God willing, join the priesthood!  

Please join us at 6:30 p.m. at Trinity in Owensboro to pray and celebrate over this joyous occasion. 

A reception will immediately follow the ordination in the parish hall.

Personal message from Ben

I have been truly blessed by the support you all, in the Diocese of Kentucky, have given me these past several years. I am truly grateful for all that you have done to support my family as well. We would be honored by your presence at my upcoming ordination to the sacred order of priests. I am looking forward to serving with you all in the years to come. 

Join us and walk in honor of Fr. Joe Smith, St. Luke's Episcopal Church and Fr. Bill Griner, Church of the Epiphany.  This is a covenant church event and St. Luke's youth will be working with Church of the Epiphany and Anchorage Presbyterian youth groups.  If you are interested in walking and would like to participate in the fundraiser, forms are available for sign up at St. Luke's. For $25 you will receive a t-shirt and great fellowship supporting a very important cause - Esophageal Cancer Awareness in honor Anchorage's own, Fr. Joe and Fr. Bill!   Advance registration is $20 (18 years and over) or $15 (under 18).  You will receive a 5K Esophageal Cancer walk t-shirt.  All proceeds will benefit Esophageal Cancer Awareness.

If you would like to donate to support the fundraiser but are not able to walk, you can send a donation to St. Luke's for the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association.  T- shirt pick up time and location will be Saturday, June 2nd at St. Luke's church office.  All questions or forms can be submitted to the St. Luke's church.  You can call the office at 245-8827 ext: 10 or email stlukeschurch@insightbb.com.  You may also mail your completed form to 1206 Maple Lane, Anchorage, KY 40223.

On June 6, 2012, Home of the Innocents will host our inaugural Heroes for the Home breakfast at the Ice House (226 East Washington Street - Parking Map). The event will begin with a gathering/networking time from 7:30 am to 7:50 am, and the program will start promptly at 8 am and end by 9 am. A healthy breakfast will be provided.

The program will highlight the Home's child-focus mission, including stories from the lives the Home has helped and insights into the expanded mission, such as the Open Arms Children's Health, in hopes of motivating the attendees to open their hearts AND wallets to support the Home. Included in the program will be a recognition segment for this year's Hero for the Home, WHAS 11.

If you're interested in attending or sponsoring this event, please contact the Home at 502.596.1025 or click here to email.

Sessions will be held from 6:30-7:30 pm at 6 locations throughout the diocese. At each session, deputies will make a brief presentation about the legislative processes and issues coming before the 77th General Convention, which will meet in Indianapolis, Indiana July 5-12.

The Rev. Cn. Amy Real Coultas, chair of our deputation, says that the sessions are designed both to provide information throughout the diocese as well as give deputies a chance to hear your questions and thoughts. Resources regarding General Convention can be found on the diocesan website.

Training for Education for Ministry (EfM) mentors will be held at All Saints Center on August 9-11, 2012.  This will be a Basic session.  The cost of the training is $260.  This training is open to all current mentors as well as individuals interested in becoming mentors.  The registration deadline is July 8th and registrations will be accepted on a first-come basis until the 8 slots are filled. For additional information, please contact the Rev. Rose Bogal-Allbritten, Diocesan EfM Coordinator at rosebogal@gmail.com or (270) 293-9490.  

Registration forms can be downloaded here. 

The standing, nominating, and transition committees of the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington on May 21 announced a slate of five candidates for seventh bishop of the diocese:

• The Rev. Ronald Abrams, rector, St. James Parish, Wilmington, North Carolina (Diocese of East Carolina);
• The Very Rev. Douglas Hahn, rector, St. Thomas, Columbus, Georgia, and Diocesan Convocation Dean (Diocese of Atlanta);
• The Rt. Rev. Santosh Marray, bishop assisting, Diocese of East Carolina;
• The Rev. LaRae Rutenbar, interim rector, St. Peter's, Rome, Georgia (resident Diocese of Western Michigan); and
• The Rev. Nigel Taber-Hamilton, rector, St. Augustine's-in-the-Woods, Freeland, Washington (Diocese of Olympia).

All candidates will be in the Diocese of Lexington for public gatherings, known as "walkabouts," from July 31-Aug. 4, 2012.

The election of the seventh bishop of Lexington is scheduled for Aug. 18 at Christ Church Cathedral, Lexington.

Pending the required consents from a majority of diocesan standing committees and bishops with jurisdiction in the Episcopal Church, the consecration or investiture of the seventh bishop of the Diocese of Lexington will be held Dec. 15, 2012 at Christ Church Cathedral.

Information about the candidates is available at http://diolex.org/bishop7/candidates. A website with information about the search process and transition is at http://diolex.org/bishop7.

The sixth bishop of Lexington, the Rt. Rev. Stacy Sauls, announced in May 2011 that he would be resigning his position as bishop of Lexington to become chief operating officer of the Episcopal Church beginning in September 2011. Sauls was elected as the sixth bishop of Lexington in 2000.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, who has led the Anglican communion since 2002, is returning to academia at the end of the year to be Master of Magdalene College Cambridge. Williams has served with integrity and grace in the midst of increasingly conflicted Anglican church. An Anglo-Catholic, supporting the ordination of Women Bishops and openly gay clergy, the two issues that have divided the church, the Archbishop concentrated on finding formulas and compromises to keep factions of the church united. Success has been limited for these initiatives, and the ongoing conflicts overshadowed his contributions in the areas of social justice and ecumenism. He has said that he hopes his successor has "the constitution of an ox and the skin of a rhinoceros."

(Updated May 24 to include details about electing a new president and vice president here) 

Bonnie Anderson has announced that she will not stand for re-election as president of the House of Deputies during the July 5-12 meeting of General Convention in Indianapolis.

In a May 23 announcement letter to the deputies and first alternates of the Episcopal Church's General Convention, Anderson said she plans to spend more time with her family.

"I have been honored beyond measure to lead this house, and gratified to observe the many ways in which Deputies and Alternates serve and lead God's Church, both when General Convention is in session and when it is not," she said in her letter. "Your voices resonate not only within the great representative diversity of General Convention, but also in our communities and in commissions during the triennium, in vestries, and in the leadership roles you hold in our congregations, dioceses and provinces."

"I am grateful for the service Bonnie Anderson has given to the Episcopal Church over many, many years," said Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori in a statement issued May 23. "She has been tireless in her advocacy for lay persons in the life and governance of this Church - a distinctive part of our identity. I understand something of the personal cost of her ministry, and pray that her retirement from this office will be a source of deep blessing for her and her family.  Well done, good and faithful servant."

The president of the House of Deputies is elected every three years to serve throughout the triennium. Anderson was vice president of the House of Deputies and a lay deputy from the Diocese of Michigan when she was elected at the 2006 General Convention to serve as president of the House of Deputies. She was re-elected at the 2009 General Convention.

While adult deputies and bishops conduct the business of General Convention this summer, the children gathered at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis will train to become mission ambassadors to their congregations back home.

The Children's Ministries of the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Indianapolis are partnering with the diocese's Waycross Camp and Conference Center in Morgantown, Episcopal Relief & Development and National Episcopal Health Ministries to offer the children's program for General Convention. Children from birth through fifth grade may participate from July 3-12, and may attend for all or part of the time depending on when they are at convention.

The program will use Episcopal Relief & Development's Abundant Life Garden Project curriculum.

"One of the strengths of this curriculum is that a child can learn something just from a short time," said agency formation consultant Cindy Coe, who developed the curriculum. Her 8-year-old son will attend the program at convention for four days.

"Of course, if they attend for a longer time, it's just that much deeper," she said. "The purpose is to engage children in the work of Episcopal Relief & Development using images of the garden."

The children's program is open during all committee and legislative sessions, but it's not just child care, said Ruth-Ann Collins, Episcopal staff officer for lifelong Christian formation. "This is far from a babysitting experience. It's a full faith-formation experience for children."

Program leaders want children to know, "Wow, we're part of a bigger church than just our little church," she said. "They get to meet kids from different parts of the country."

Participating children will attend the daily convention Eucharist. "They're going to have their own spot up front so that they can see what's going on and really feel like they're included in it," Collins said.

St. David's Episcopal Church in Austin, Texas, has a long history of environmental stewardship, so in 2010 when one of its priests suggested the church pursue GreenFaith Certification, the congregation got on board.

Two years later, as St. David's approaches the end of the certification period, it's been remarkable to see how the journey toward certification has taken on a "holistic" approach, spearheaded by the "green team," but also spreading throughout the church's other programs, said Rosera Tateosian, the team leader.

"People who haven't been so involved have the idea to do clothing swaps, potluck dinners showing environmental films," she said, adding that at the outset some members were concerned that the certification's advocacy requirement would force the congregation to make political statements, but in the end they saw the bigger picture.

In 2010, the Episcopal Church and GreenFaith became partners, encouraging Episcopal churches to go "green." On June 7 from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. EDT GreenFaith and Michael Schut, economic and environmental affairs officer for the Episcopal Church, will host an hour-longwebinar to introduce a resource guide, "Getting Started on the Genesis Covenant: Reduce Energy Use, Save Money, and Care for God's Creation," and to highlight the GreenFaith Certification Program.

The Genesis Covenant is a national ecumenical initiative that challenges faith institutions to reduce their facilities' greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent within ten years. The Episcopal Church General Convention in 2009 adopted the Genesis Covenant. The 31-page resource guideincludes practical information on getting started and reaching the covenant's goal.