My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I begin by remembering the words of two remarkable followers of Jesus Christ. First, from the one who called himself the least of the apostles:

“For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience that we have behaved in the world, and still more toward you, with holiness and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God.” (2 Corinthians 1:12)

And secondly from one of my earlier heroes of spiritual leadership, Charles Henry Brent—Episcopal Bishop of the Philippines and later Western New York—that apostle of Christian unity:

“Every self-respecting person craves an exacting task, a task that strains human nature. We need more than that degree of obligation which demands the exercise only of those gifts and powers that we know are ours. We must be under the domination of a responsibility which calls for the assertion of our latent and untried capacity, the power that declares itself only in the using.”

This summer like the last—which had the global events such as GAFCON and Lambeth—offers gatherings that can potentially change the landscape of Anglicanism in North America and throughout the world. I have sent one of our deans, the Very Reverend Craige Borrett, to be an observer at the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) gathering in Bedford, Texas. Even as I write this letter this landmark convention is meeting. It is made up of many with whom some of us here in South Carolina have served alongside in this Episcopal Church where, unlike them, we are still members. My prayers are with them as they meet in this pioneering work, even if we do not travel the same path, and though we function in some cases in parallel jurisdictions. Am I troubled by this development? Yes, for it is a bit odd at times to realize that we in the Diocese of South Carolina labor side by side, but not in full communion—and sometimes even in tension—with others who consider themselves and seek to remain, like us, as Anglicans. As sisters and brothers in Christ we are sometimes in and, sadly, sometimes out of fellowship. It is a temporary state I hope, brought about by the extraordinarily divisive times we are in. We travel what has been called the Canterbury trail on paths that sometimes are so close we can carry on hopeful conversations in sight of one another, and then there is a switchback that, even while traveling toward perhaps the same God-given destiny, takes us through trees which separate us from one another.

Later this summer, just two weeks from today, I will gather with the deputies of the Diocese of South Carolina, and other brothers and sisters in Christ at the 76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church. We will meet from July 8—17th in Anaheim, California. Our beloved retired bishop, Ed Salmon, and I will be representing us in the House of Bishops. Those representing us in the House of Deputies are: In the clergy order, John Burwell, Steve Wood, Haden McCormick, and David Thurlow: and in the lay order, Wade Logan, Lydia Evans, Boo Pennewill, Reid Boylston, and Lonnie Hamilton (Alternate). Seasoned observers of General Convention and delegates to our own Diocesan Convention may immediately notice that long time General Convention strategist, Kendall Harmon, while elected to the deputation, is not slated to attend this year’s event. This will not go unnoticed in many quarters of the House of Deputies and it should not go unexplained to our own diocese.

In numerous conversations, Kendall and I have felt that the strategizing and networking to pass or defeat resolutions, for most of us in the conservative or reasserting cause, is no longer anything for which we have passion or, for that matter, any hope of success—even if we should attempt it. The cause of biblical orthodoxy within TEC is no longer a realistic thing to strive for through the councils of TEC. Politically speaking, we have lost the day. Those of us who are going from South Carolina go to bear witness—to speak the truth as we have received it, and with love (as St. Paul enjoins us). But the days of strategizing with others who may align sympathetically with us to win some political victory through resolutions on the floor of the HOD or HOB is, at least for now, a thing of the past. We are too small and insignificant of a “party.” Too many have been, or have felt, driven out of our Church. Along with these facts, I fear that the ecclesial-political operatives of General Convention seem too determined to ignore the prevalent teaching of Scripture and the Church, as well as the mind of the larger Communion, but we shall see. I do not state this as one who is disheartened by it. It is just a reality that needs to be recognized and admitted—call it “reality therapy” if you will. It is my conviction that Kendall’s time and energy can be better directed by working in his new role as Anglican Communion Development Coordinator. Just for your information, the Chairman of the Anglican Communion Development Committee is Fr. Bob Lawrence (no relation to me, as you know). Other deanery representatives are Frs. Chris Royer, Michael Hub, Michael Clarkson, Paul Fuener, and Charlie Walton.

As I stated in my Bishop’s Address at our Diocesan Convention in March, I see little reward or benefit in expending our resources and energies in unfruitful expeditions trying to stem the tide of revisionism in The Episcopal Church. Certainly I ask those who are intercessors to pray that God would “stay the hand of the revisionists” at General Convention. And we who attend will, under God, carry out our roles in faithful witness to the truth as we have received it in Holy Scripture and in the traditions of the Church. But the creative thrust of the diocese—beyond the gospel imperative to preach the gospel, make disciples, and plant churches as missionary outposts of the Kingdom of God—needs to be elsewhere than in political machinations of the General Convention. As I’ve stated before, God has called us to help shape the future of Anglicanism through mutually enriching missional relationships and through inter-diocesan, inter-provincial accountability. Certainly, Kendall as our Canon Theologian will monitor the developments at General Convention 2009, but I believe it is in keeping with our declared vision as a diocese to focus on what we believe God is calling us to do, not on the strategies and battles he called us to engage in yesterday.

Before I conclude, let me address an issue that I find is sometimes confusing to many within the diocese, as well as those who are watching us in the reappraiser wing of North American Anglicanism, specifically in what is called “The Inside Strategy.” Among the writers and bloggers of North American Anglicanism there has emerged what some call the inside and the outside strategy in battling with heterodox teaching and practice in the Church. Some who were once Episcopalians have left because they were convinced that anything resembling orthodox belief and practice was lost. Many of these are now gathering at the ACNA convention. They are sometimes referred to as engaging in the outside strategy. That is, in the cause of orthodoxy in North American Anglicanism they have left previously official churches, such as the Anglican Church of Canada and The Episcopal Church in the United States. According to this understanding it is believed the best way to revive or reform Anglicanism in North America is to work outside the established churches of the Anglican Communion. In distinction from those outside there are those who remain within TEC and the Anglican Church in Canada. Since they are staying, but still hold to the same understanding of the faith as those who have left, it is assumed by some that they must be carrying out an inside strategy of reformation. We in South Carolina are then said to be carrying out such an agenda—battling for orthodoxy, seeking to win back the day in The Episcopal Church in some maneuvering of ecclesiastical politics. While some within the Church may indeed be doing this, it is certainly not my intent. The stakes at present are much higher than what is happening in Episcopalianism or the continuing Anglican bodies in North America.

If we could be said to be carrying out an “Inside Strategy” it is not towards TEC: it is toward the Anglican Communion. Put simply, we remain inside the structures of the Communion to help shape the emerging Anglicanism of the 21st Century so long as we are able. It is ironic that as one of the few dioceses of The Episcopal Church with documented growth in every significant metric of measurement—membership, average Sunday attendance (ASA), spiritual vitality, finances, missional relationships through the last decade—we can influence the developments within global Anglicanism more effectively than we can influence our own Church! When conferences are held for bishops and leaders in TEC about growth and reaching new generations, why are experts brought in from non-Anglican sources and the prior architect of growth in the one diocese in TEC that has documented growth, Bishop Salmon, is not invited to speak? Why are the rectors in this diocese who have so clearly effectively reached their communities with the gospel never once referenced or consulted? Even the Presiding Bishop had to revise her statement that no diocese in TEC had seen growth, when documentation was cited that South Carolina had seen significant decadal growth. But, irony aside, getting back to my main point, our “Inside Strategy” is not to tilt at windmills in Quixotic fashion thinking we can turn back the clock to some prior age; it is to help shape the future that is emerging in global Anglicanism from within the Communion.

Certainly since we are in TEC we will bear witness to the truth, speak the truth, and stand steadfastly in the faith once delivered to the saints. We proclaim Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of the Father and the only mediator between God and humankind; teaching the trustworthiness of the Holy Scriptures as the Word of God; and abiding by the Doctrine, Discipline and Worship of Christ as this Church has received them, not as the latest political machinations has sought to reinterpret them. Nevertheless, along with the Gospel mandate, our focus, energy, and resources must be devoted to helping shape an Anglicanism sufficient for the 21st Century by “Making Biblical Anglicans for a Global Age.”

Doubtlessly, the developments from the General Convention in Anaheim and at the ACNA Convention in Texas will change the mercurial landscape in which we have to carry out this work, perhaps making all too relevant the words I’ve cited from the Apostle Paul, and Bishop Brent at the beginning of this rather lengthy letter. It is possible we will be confronted with monumental challenges, even “a task that strains human nature” as Bishop Brent put it. Several of our deputies will be blogging from GC’09, and in all likelihood I will address issues that may emerge from the Convention. So please note: in order for us to take reconnaissance and inventory on the demands these two gatherings will place upon us in the diocese, I have scheduled a Clergy Day for Thursday, August 13th from 10:30 a.m.—2:30 p.m. at St. James, James Island (note: box lunches will be served). We will have reports from our deputies to General Convention as well as a report from Craige Borrett. Please keep our deputations as well as me in your daily prayers as we prepare for and debrief from General Convention.

Faithfully yours in Christ our Savior and Lord,

+Mark Lawrence
South Carolina

I was asked to write a few observations as to what we can expect when the Episcopal Church’s triennial General Convention meets in July. This will be the fifth time I’ve served as the chair¬man of the South Carolina represen¬tation and I must say that I expect this 2009 convention to be much like the four previous ones. I remember Bishop Allison’s comment to me before I headed off to Philadelphia in 1997. He said, “John, my experience with General Convention is that it’s like having a ten-day toothache.” I’ve found him to be correct on every outing so far.

General Convention is a huge, complicated, confusing, unwieldy, political event that bears an uncanny resemblance to the United States Congress in the manner in which it operates. Seniority decides who gets to serve on the various legislative committees, and political leanings determine who chairs each com¬mittee. Caucuses determine what language various bills will contain. Special interests join together in lobbies and plot strategy to defeat their opponents. Partisan political speeches are made in favor or against particular bills before the House of Deputies or the House of Bishops votes on them. We vote on issues of morality as if we could decide right and wrong by majority vote. The political battle for power and control is accepted as normal. There are winners and there are losers. To me, it is a mess and I believe we are under judgment because we operate the way we do.

This is the 76th General Convention of the Church, and we will meet this time in Anaheim, California, in the Diocese of Los Angeles. General Convention officially runs from Wednesday, July 8th, through Friday, July 17th. We who represent you begin our duties on Monday, July 6th with pre-conven¬tion meetings.

Each Diocese sends four lay and four clerical delegates (or “deputies” as we are preferentially named by Convention) to represent their diocese as legislators. Every diocese can also choose to send a number of “alternates” to serve as substitutes if they so desire. South Carolina will be represented by Reid Boylston, Lydia Evans, Wade Logan, Elizabeth Pennewill, John Burwell, Haden McCormick, David Thurlow, Steve Wood, and Bishop Lawrence. Our lay alternate is Lonnie Hamilton. (Note: this has been revised since an earlier printing.)

Legislation to come before Convention can be offered by any National Church committee, commission, agency or board, by any bishop, by any diocese or province, and/or by any deputy. The final deadline for resolutions is 5:00 p.m. on July 9th, which is two days into the actual running of the Convention. As I write this, there are already over a hundred pre-filed resolutions and more are being added almost daily. All resolutions first go to a legislative committee for review and revision, and prob¬ably over half of them will not make it out of committee. The resolutions that do survive are placed on the convention calendar and eventu¬ally debated by both the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies. A resolution must pass in both houses in order to be enacted.
Of course, at this point it is impossible to predict what resolutions will make it onto the House floors, or to predict the language they will contain if and when they do arrive on the calendar. As we could expect, there are a num¬ber of pre-filed resolutions concerning human sexuality. I’ve found four (as of today) that I believe are worth mentioning and I suspect at least two, and possibly three of these four will make it out of committee and onto the floor.

The first and perhaps the most problemati¬cal for me is C004, offered by the Diocese of Newark. The resolution title is “Full Participa¬tion of LGBTI Community.” The resolution notes that “While General Convention has never approved a resolution restricting the right of a diocesan bishop to authorize appropriate rites for the blessing of same-sex committed relationships,” some bishops have been unwill¬ing to authorize such rites in their dioceses. This resolution, if passed, would “…make clear that the bishop has the option to authorize liturgical blessings of committed relationships between same-sex partners.” Although some bishops are unofficially allowing liturgical blessings, official policy is that such blessings are not approved by the Church. This would change official policy.

Resolution C031 offered by the Diocese of Vermont would direct the Standing Commis¬sion on Liturgy and Music to develop, as they put it, “Rites of Holy Union for Same Gender Couples” and offer those rites for consider¬ation at the next Convention in 2012. We’ve had resolutions similar to this offered prior to both the 2003 and 2006 Conventions. The resolutions did not make it out of Committee either time. Because a number of states have legalized gay marriage and because the passions are quite high in California where we are meet¬ing, I believe this could be the year that such a resolution does make it to the floor. If passed by this Convention and the next (it would take two Conventions to become law), it would change the doctrine, discipline and worship of the Episcopal Church.

Both the Diocese of Atlanta and the Diocese of Los Angeles are offering legislation to repeal B033. The Diocese of Atlanta’s version is C010, and Los Angeles version is C036. Resolution B033, proposed by Bishop Henderson of Upper South Carolina and passed by both houses in 2006 said this:

“Resolved, That the 75th General Conven¬tion receive and embrace The Windsor Report’s invitation to engage in a process of healing and reconciliation; and be it further Resolved, That this Convention therefore call upon Standing Committees and bishops with jurisdiction to exercise restraint by not consenting to the consecration of any candidate to the episcopate whose manner of life presents a challenge to the wider church and will lead to further strains on communion.”

My guess is that one of these two resolutions will be presented and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it pass in both houses.

There are many other resolutions I per¬sonally find problematical for one reason or another. I mention these four because of the resolutions filed so far, I believe they will be the ones that generate the most heat and light. A complete list of all pre-filed resolutions can be found at http://gc2009.org/ViewLegislation/.

As I have done since 1997, I plan to report back to you on all Convention activities (with pictures) every single night. God willing, the reports will begin Sunday night, July 5, and continue through Friday night, July 17 at HolyCross.net. I suspect you will also be able to get in-depth coverage from Kendall Harmon, Lydia Evans and Steve Wood on their respective blogs. I humbly ask for your daily prayers for us and especially for our Bishop, Mark, and for the Church.

The Couples Conference is designed to strengthen and renew Christian marriage. We will have strong Biblical teaching, as well as time for small groups, praise and worship, fellowship with other Christian couples, and time to spend with your spouse. It doesn’t matter if you have been married for less than a month or for more than 50 years; all couples are encouraged to attend.

To register, mail a non-refundable deposit of $75 (make check out to “Couples Conference,”), along with the registration form found in the brochure.

The total cost of the weekend, $310 per couple, includes lodging and meals. The deposit will be credited toward the total fee.

Participants are encouraged to bring Bibles and comfortable clothes. The conference room can be cold, so you may want a light jacket or sweater while inside. Bug spray and sunscreen are vital. Also bring a copy of your wedding photo that you can leave.

By Joy Hunter, Director of Communications, Diocese of South Carolina

Over 200 clergy and lay leaders attended the Diocese of South Carolina’s Second Annual Leadership Forum at the Litchfield Beach and Golf Resort in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, May 31-June 2. Dr. Reggie McNeal, author and consultant for Leadership Network served as the keynote speaker. “Rethink, Shift, Retool,” was the theme for the three-day gathering which focused on shifts churches must make to become missionally-minded.

Shifting from an Internal to an External Focus

In shift one, McNeal said leaders must move from an internal to an external focus. McNeal chided the church for counting those who “show up,” at services as a way of measuring success. He likened the church to an airline terminal where “the concourse is full and all the planes are on the ground.” Instead, he urged those present to lead their congregations out into the community. “We need to move from thinking of church as an institution, (a what) to church as incarnational (a who).”

McNeal urged leaders to recapture Abraham’s covenant of being a people of blessing. “Go out and bless three people,” he urged. “Not random acts of kindness, ‘rake ‘em and run.’ Do something so people know God has flown near.”

McNeal also challenged listeners saying, “Our people need to believe again. They need to see God show up and show off. We serve a God who raises the dead and we’re asking him to bless a pot luck supper.” Touching on the oft-touted tension between “social ministry” and “sharing the gospel,” McNeal stressed that they are inseparable.

Shifting from being Program-Driven to focused on People Development

The second shift focused on moving from being program-driven to focusing on people-development. He encouraged leaders to develop ways of customizing entry points and ministry opportunities. He urged leaders to interview newcomers, asking, “What would you like to see God do in your life?” “In the past, churches focused on educating members and calling them to apply what was learned,” he said. “We need to move away from church-centric curriculum to life-centric opportunities,” said McNeal. “People aren’t projects. They don’t get ‘done’ in ten weeks.” Rather than trying to grow people into service, leaders need to help individuals “grow through service.”

Shifting from Maintenance to Movement; Seeing Leaders in an Apostolic rather than Maintenance Role

McNeal urged leaders to jumpstart these shifts by spending 90 minutes in a Starbucks praying, “Lord, let me see what you see.” McNeal originally tried this with a church staff, then moved to invite the entire congregation in on it. “Jesus said, “I’m only doing what I see the Father doing,’” McNeal reminded listeners. “I talk very little in prayer any more,” shared McNeal, “instead I’m trying to listen, trying to see.”

This movement involves a shift in priorities, suggested McNeal. “We’ll have to re-scorecard what we celebrate,” he said. McNeal urged leaders to redeploy resources of prayer, time, money, facilities, people and technology. He urged leaders to model whatever behavior they hoped to see in their congregation.

Additional Offerings

In addition to McNeal’s addresses the conference offered times for worship, including a service of Holy Eucharist at which the Rt. Rev. Mark Lawrence, Bishop of South Carolina preached; time for small group discussion, with attendees seated with leaders from their own churches; and panel discussions. A choice of seven panels or “Think Tanks,” were offered, covering subjects from, “Ladies and Gentlemen, Church Has Just Left the Building,” to “Communication: Timeless message Twitter Age.”

“Challenging, Affirming…” Clergy Weigh in on Conference

“I had a great time,” said the Rev. Karl Burns, a Chaplain and Priest Associate at Old St. Andrew’s, Charleston. “It was something I found I wanted to be at rather than had to be at. It challenged me, it affirmed some things. It made me uncomfortable. I think the conference for me was not only a success but something I’m looking forward to next year.”

Joe Gibbes, Associate Rector at St. John’s, John’s Island said, “My favorite part was Reggie’s encouragement to get out and go into the community. What I’ve been modeling is sitting at my desk, working on my sermons to tell them how to go out. I was really convicted about modeling that, and working with them on that.”

“I got some time with my leadership and staff,” said Mike Clarkson, Rector of Church of our Saviour, Johns Island, “and they got to hear what I’ve been trying to say to them from someone who’s funny and smart.”

“The conference was a great investment for us,” said Shay Gaillard, Rector of Church of the Good Shepherd, Charleston. “Our team came together and we had so much take-away. We’re going to use this conference as a springboard for our staff/vestry retreat.”

Caring for Those Outside the Church, Final Plenary

During the final plenary time The Rev. Steve Wood, rector of St. Andrew’s, Mt. Pleasant, of one of the fastest-growing parishes in the country, answered questions posed by other rectors on how their churches could become more missionally-minded. “One of the complaints that’s most often lobbed at me,” said Wood, “is that I care more about those outside the church than I do those inside. Guilty as charged.”

You’re invited to this year’s Family Ministry Retreat at St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center. St. Christopher has joined together with the Diocese of South Carolina’s Department of Faith Formation to offer a time of fun, fellowship and ministry geared towards young families. Imagine all the fun of a vacation at the beach coupled with times of teaching and equipping the family for ministry at home. Our desire is to help strengthen families for their spiritual journey together.

Download this information in a printable brochure.

Following last year’s successful inaugural Generational Impact Camp with Visionary Parenting author Dr. Rob Reinow, we are pleased to have the opportunity to continue helping families grow together spiritually. This year, Peter Rothemel, Coordinator for Christian Faith Formation for the Diocese of SC, and the Rev. Chris Warner, Rector of St. Christopher, will teach, encourage and minister to parents and children. Additionally, several alumni from last year’s retreat will share stories of how their family relationships have blossomed with Christ in the center of the home.

Come join us for lots of fun in the sun with beach activities, sailing, kayaking, beach-bonfires, woods-walks and more; inspiring teaching and equipping for parents; faith-filled fun for children, heartfelt worship and prayer; and fellowship with other families. Come be encouraged and connect with other parents committed to developing faith in the home.

Acts of Renewal will help bring to life some of the messages at the Family Ministry Retreat. Who are Acts of Renewal? Read their mission statement: We want to create and produce excellent Christian theatre that glorifies God and challenges people to seek God through Christ for hope and meaning. View a brief, Acts of Renewal video.

Extend Your Stay (If you like)
We’ve discovered that for many parents with little ones, three nights is the optimal time away. As such, the Family Ministry Retreat will end on Wednesday, July 1st. However for some families, a longer time away from home is ideal. Therefore, we are offering an option for families to extend their stay through Friday lunch following the retreat. Take advantage of all that St.Christopher has to offer for your summer family vacation!

Conference Rates: Sunday June 28th – Wednesday July 1st (3 Nights Lodging, all meals, program and activities)

Adults - $200/person
Teens - $170/person (ages 12-18)
Youth - $130/person (ages 6-11)
Child – Free (ages 0-5)

Space is limited so be sure to register soon! Visit www.stchristopher.org to download a registration form and get rates for extending your family’s stay for one or two additional
nights.

Limited scholarships available. Contact Elizabeth Bumpas or (843)-768-0429 if you have any questions.

Upcoming Events

St. Andrew's Mission offering a Summer Enrichment Program, from June 9-July 31
St. Andrew's Mission is offering a full-day (8 a.m. - 4 p.m.) summer enrichment program, for children ages 5-12, Monday through Friday, from June 9-July 31. The program will include day trips, arts and crafts, computer training. The cost is $50 per child, plus a one-time $50 activities fee. Lunch and snacks will be provided. To learn more, contact St. Andrew's at (843) 763-8772 or download the program information.

St. John's Chapel and the African American Family Center for Biblical Dialogue, "Journey Through the Bible," Trip, June 15-August 14
St. John's Chapel is asking for donors to assist in presenting a program designed to reach little girls on Charleston's East side. The program will help the children to "Journey through the Bible," with trips, drama, learning experiences, music, etc. To learn more, contact Janie Wilson.

General Convention, July 8-17
The 76th General Convention of the Episcopal Church will be held July 8–17, 2009 in Anaheim, California. The elected delegates for our diocese are: (Clergy) John Burwell, Kendall Harmon, Haden McCormick and Steve Wood. (Lay) Reid Boylson, Lydia Evans, Wade Logan and Elizabeth Pennewill. The Alternates are: (Clergy) Ed Kelaher, Jim Lewis, David Thurlow and Chris Warner, (Lay) Lonnie Hamilton, Robert Kilgo, Bill Lyles and Margie Williams.

Parish Administrators Gathering, July 21
We are forming a diocesan group of parish administrators and finance people with the idea of meeting regularly for fellowship and to learn from one another and share ideas. Anyone who handles administration and/or finance in their church is invited to join. Our first gathering is Tuesday, July 21, 2009 from 12:00 until 2:00 p.m. at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 1393 Miles Drive, Charleston. At this initial, organizational, meeting we will decide when, where and how often we’ll meet, the format of our meetings and choose discussion topics. The diocese will provide a boxed lunch, so please RSVP to LaQuetta Jones no later than Friday, July 17 at (843) 722-4075 or ljones@dioceseofsc.org. Thanks to the Church of the Good Shepherd for graciously offering to host our first gathering, and please make plans to attend. Questions? Call Nancy Armstrong at (843) 722-4075, Ext. 3040.

Days of Healing Prayer, St. Michael's, Charleston, July 22, November 7
St. Michael's, Charleston, will host their 37th Day of Healing Prayer on July 22. It will run from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $10.00 per person and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. For more information or to register, please call the church at 843 723-0603 or visit www.stmichaelschurch.net for more information. An additional Day of Healing Prayer is scheduled for November 7.

Next Steps Database Training, July 22, August 19, September 16

Next Steps Database Training: The Department of Social Ministries offers Next Steps Database Training at no cost to volunteers and staff from churches and social ministries throughout South Carolina. Once a person completes the 3-hour training session we assign them a user ID and password and they can access the Next Steps database from their home/office/church/ministry computer at www.SouthCarolinaMinistries.org. Training sessions include Wednesdays July 22, August 19, and September 16, 2009 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Agape Innercity Christian Assembly in Charleston. The on-line Next Steps database links churches and social ministries participating in the Next Step Program.

Annual Diocesan Couples Conference, July 24-26
"Leading Your Heart to Love” is the theme for this year’s Diocesan Couples Conference which will be held at St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center July 24-26. The Rev. Dr. Greg Snyder and his wife, Beth, will be leading the conference. Additional information to follow. Download the brochure.

Post-General Convention Clergy Day Scheduled, August 13

All clergy are invited to attend a post-General Convention gathering at St. James Church, Charleston, August 13 from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided, but reservations are required. To make your reservation, contact Randy McPhail.

Rest, Restoration and Renewal, September 11-13
St. Christopher will offer a three-day annual retreat aimed at inviting participants to encounter the "Lord's presence and experience rest, restoration and renewal. Learn more by visiting www.stchristopher.org.

Diocesan Clergy Conference, November 9-11
A “Diocesan Clergy Conference” is scheduled for this fall, November 9—11 at White Oak Conference Center from dinner on Monday through lunch on Wednesday. White Oak Conference Center is in Winnsboro, SC just outside of Columbia.

Mere Anglicanism, January 21-24, 2010
Mere Anglicanism 2010 will be held January 21-24 at the Cathedral in Charleston. The theme is "Human Identity, Gender, and Sexuality: Speculation or Revelation?" View the photo album of last year's conference. Learn more.

Submitting Articles
We encourage brevity. Notices about upcoming events should be between 200-300 words. Feature articles should be no more than 1,000 words. Be aware that the deadline date is a full month prior to the first month in the cover issue. (ex. The deadline for the January/February issue is the first Friday in December.) Other than using paragraphs and subheads, do not format articles, by adding unusual fonts, additional columns, boxes or clip art.

Because we receive so many submissions, we are not able to print every article. We reserve the right to edit for length and to make the article appropriate for a wide audience.

Articles are to be submitted (preferably by e-mail as Microsoft Word documents) to both the editor, Joy Hunter at jhunter@dioceseofsc.org and the assistant editor: the Rev. Canon Dr. Kendall S. Harmon at ksharmon@mindspring.com.

On page one of each submission, include a:
Contact Name:
Author of Submission and Author’s Title, if pertinent: (ex. The Very Rev. John
Burwell, Rector, Church of the Holy Cross, Sullivan’s Island)
Daytime Telephone Number:
E-mail Address:

Submitting Photographs
All photographs must be submitted in color at high resolution as either JPEGs or TIFFs, (300 dpi at the size the photo will be printed). Please include a descriptive caption, including the full names of those pictured (if under ten people) and the name of the photographer.

If you have a number of photos and aren’t sure which to choose, upload them to a free web album site, http://picasa.google.com or www.snapfish.com) and send us the link. We’re happy to make the selection. If you mail photographs, and would like them returned, include your name, return address and phone number on the back of any photos you submit.

If you have any questions, please e-mail the Editor, Joy Hunter.

Contact Information:
• Joy Hunter, Editor, jhunter@dioceseofsc.org, (843) 696-1757
109 Arbor Road, Summerville, SC 29485
• The Rev. Canon Dr. Kendall S. Harmon, Assistant Editor, ksharmon@mindspring.com, (843) 821-7254 P.O. Box 2810, Summerville, SC 29484-2810

Rev. April 21, 2009

Influenza and Worship

Taking communion is safe:
Clay Morris, program officer for worship and spirituality at the Episcopal Church Center in New York, said his office has been collecting research that shows that the practice of sharing a common cup, generally carries a very low risk of infection. "We are told repeatedly that the common cup is not a health hazard," he said.

There are some common sense precautions, though, that not only will protect worshippers but will help allay normal fears.

Wash your hands. Clergy, Eucharistic ministers, acolytes and anyone else handling communion elements should wash their hands (or use hand sanitizer) immediately before distributing communion and again afterward. Proper hand washing includes vigorous rubbing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds; sing the first verse of any song and it will be about the right length of time.

Rotate and firmly wipe the chalice. Those administering the chalice should be certain to rotate the cup at least a quarter-turn after each communicant and to wipe the inside and outside of the chalice rim firmly with a purificator. Use fresh purificators frequently, and wash soiled linens in hot, soapy water.

Proper Intinction. Studies have shown that the greatest risk of contamination during communion comes when worshippers intinct for themselves. To minimize risk, it is suggested to congregants that only the clergy or Eucharistic minister dip wafers into the chalice. Care should be exercised to place the wafer on the person’s tongue without touching the tongue or mouth.

Communion in One Kind. Worshippers should know that if they are concerned about receiving the wine, communion in one kind – bread only – is a full communion.

At the Peace. Casual handshakes during the Peace have not been documented as a high risk for infection. Those concerned, however, can offer the Peace by word only.

Make Sanitizing Gel Available. Churches may wish to make hand sanitizing gel available to worshippers. Use before receiving communion will reduce the risk of infection, also. As with any illness, worshippers who exhibit any symptoms of flu should be encouraged to stay home.

I’ve been reading through John Calvin’s Commentary on the St. Paul’s Pastoral Epistles during my morning Bible study (Yes, this revealed in the interest of transparency before some blogger snooping around my study at home uncovers such a dreadful volume beside my Prayer Book and Bible.) Just today I came across this comment from the great reformer regarding Titus 3:8. “The word stress means to affirm something strongly. Paul tells Titus here to ignore everything else and teach the things that are certain and press them home, while other people are talking idly of things of little consequence. We conclude from this that a bishop should not be rash in asserting anything but only insist upon those things that he has found out to be true. ‘These,’ says Paul, ‘affirm, because they are true and deserve to be believed.’ This reminds us that it is a bishop’s duty to assert and strongly affirm things that are firmly established and that build up godliness.”

Of course this is not always easy to observe; and it is for such reasons I suppose that Paul goes on to write in verse 9, “avoid foolish controversies….” Needless to say, sometimes the controversies come to one even when he’s trying to focus on what lies before him. Just recently fifteen bishops of our Church, of which I was one, along with several scholars from the Anglican Communion Institute, released a document entitled “Bishops’ Statement on the Polity of the Episcopal Church”. For those interested, this statement can be found on the Anglican Communion Institute website, www.anglicancommunioninstitute.com. Strangely, the document which was to be released last week was obtained in an unauthorized manner, along with personal emails, and published on several websites without the permission of the bishops and scholars and just prior to the planned publication. This Statement and the posting of the emails have created a stir in TEC blogsphere—however short-lived it may be—so I wanted you to hear from me why I signed on.

First, the document is consonant with my understanding of our Church’s polity which I first encountered in Powell Mills Dawley’s The Episcopal Church and its Work (the last volume in the first Church Teaching Series, see p. 115-16) while as a layperson, new to the Protestant Episcopal Church in the early 1970s, being trained to be a lay reader. Further reading in our history during seminary and while teaching courses on The Episcopal Ethos at San Joaquin School for Ministry and in Adult classes in the parish has only confirmed what Dr. Dawley wrote almost fifty years ago.

Secondly, this statement of the bishops is also in keeping with the resolution that the Standing Committee and I brought before our recent Diocesan Convention and which was subsequently passed, “Resolution 1: Proposed Anglican Covenant”. It is, among other things, seeking to defend the authority of dioceses to sign onto the Anglican Covenant should other bodies in TEC choose not to.

Thirdly, it is in all of our interests not to have our polity and heritage redefined by civil courts in litigation with departing dioceses without a more thorough vetting of our Church’s history and polity, as well as the larger Communion’s ecclesial reflections. The Rt. Reverend Michael G. Smith, Bishop of North Dakota, who was also a signatory on the statement, summed things up well when he wrote to his clergy, “Scholars and lawyers will parse words and debate the points made in this paper. That’s well and good as it furthers the discussion around these matters. The bottom line for me, however, is that the basic unit of the Church as traditionally understood in Anglicanism is the diocese. This is basic catholic ecclesiology and reflected in the Archbishop of Canterbury’s 2007 letter to +John Howe of Central Florida: ‘The organ of union with the wider Church is the Bishop and Diocese rather than the Provincial structure as such…The bishop and the Diocese [are] the primary locus of ecclesial identity rather than the abstract reality of the ‘national church.’” I would add, that this is a fundamental understanding, perhaps, too capriciously adhered to in our Episcopal heritage and polity—but stated and adhered to nonetheless; and to have it changed by a civil court with but a cursory and one sided reading strikes me as profoundly short-sighted. It cannot truly serve any of us well—regardless of where we stand on the hot-button issues of human sexuality, depositions (of bishops), or departures (of dioceses and parishes).

One further point: I was specifically referred to by name in one email. This is because I took part in a brief conversation which was referenced by Dr. Chris Seitz. More specifically, I was introduced during lunch to a priest in Colorado who was eager to keep his parish in The Episcopal Church and was exploring appropriate ways to do so. My intention was to help in whatever way appropriate—hardly a story, though some in their unbridled imaginings have tried to suggest one.

If you have further questions please feel free to contact me. Now, having taken the space in this ENewsletter to briefly address this matter of church polity and politics, I will be eager to return in future writings to those truths that St. Paul in Titus 3:8 referred to as a “trustworthy saying”: “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:4-7)

Yours in Christ,

+Mark Lawrence
South Carolina

April 27, 2009

The Standing Committee of the Diocese of South Carolina is unable to consent to the election of the Rev. Kevin Thew Forrester as Bishop of Northern Michigan for the following reasons:

1. Writings and sermons of Fr. Thew Forrester and liturgies composed by him call into serious question his understanding of and commitment to Nicene orthodoxy regarding the nature of the Trinity 1, the unique revelation of God in Christ 2, the nature and necessity of the Atonement 3, and the Virgin Birth 4.

2. An unauthorized Baptismal rite composed and used by Fr. Thew Forrester calls into serious question his sacramental understanding and judgment. Within the rite itself, the lack of the renunciations – in any remotely recognizable Christian form- represent a cutting loose from the historic moorings of Anglicanism in the catholic Tradition of the Church 5. We see this as a grave error.

3. The Episcopal office is the teaching office of the Church, therefore the consecration of a bishop is, in effect, a public teaching on behalf of the whole church. Consenting to Fr. Thew Forrester’s election would then be an endorsement of heterodox views with regard to core elements of the Faith, causing confusion and scandal among the flock, and also exacerbating rather than healing divisions within and between the Anglican Communion and the wider Body of Christ.

We recognize the Fr. Thew Forrester is the choice of the people of the Diocese of Northern Michigan and appreciate the esteem in which he is held. His election is a testimony to this esteem and his character. Further, this Diocese is keenly aware of the pain and difficulty, to say nothing of the expense, incurred by a Diocese when a Bishop–elect is denied consent. As a Standing Committee we pledge to hold Fr. Thew Forrester and Diocese of Northern Michigan in our prayers.

Unanimously Resolved – April 21, 2009

*********

Footnotes:

1 Trinity Sunday Sermon – 5/18/08-

2 "Dar es Salaam - Already One in God" Episcopal Life: The Church in Hiawathaland Vol. 18, No. 7, September 2007

3 Ibid

4 Easter Vigil Liturgy, p. 17 “The fire of your Spirit kindled a love between Mary and Joseph; a fire that became the roaring flame of eternal compassion – the heart of Jesus.”

5 Easter Day Baptismal Liturgy, pgs. 3-4 Note, in particular, the changes in the language of the “Presentation and Examination of the Candidates” and “The Baptismal Covenant.” Cf. 1979 The Book of Common Prayer, pgs. 301-305. Compare the Renunciation and Confessions sections of Fr. Forrester’s liturgy with the Apostolic Tradition of Hippolytus (215 A.D.) Chpt. 21:9 “When the elder takes hold of each of them who are to receive baptism, he shall tell each of them to renounce, saying, "I renounce you Satan, all your servicea, and all your works."

1. Ladies and Gentlemen, Church has Just Left the Building

DESCRIPTION: We can no longer expect the world to come to us. Most of the world doesn’t even like us. We’re intolerant, narrow-minded and irrelevant. Whether you like our reputation or not, we’re losing an entire generation. Look at the demographic landscape of our congregations and some may be inclined to believe the Episcopal Church is at risk of becoming extinct.
So what’s a leader to do? We know we carry Jesus’ timeless transformational message of new life, but if fewer and fewer people come to our services to hear it, what are we accomplishing? Maybe it’s how we are offering it. History shows that merely tweaking the current model will not create and sustain the momentum required to shift a culture. Our present church culture needs a monumental shift.

Churches that are engaging those between the ages of 18 and 35 have made “cultural-shifting” decisions that may not always have been popular, but are beginning to reclaim God’s original intent for his Church. Our time together will allow us to hear from some of the leaders who have made and are making these decisions and how they are participating in God’s redemptive movement of reclaiming a generation by taking the Church to the world.

OUTCOME: Leaders will be challenged to critically reflect on their current church culture and its effectiveness. The intent is not to provide all the “right” answers to address these issues, but to provide a framework to begin asking the right questions that will lead us to discover how God is moving us to lead.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES: To Consider…
• How far is too far when it comes to engaging our world with the Gospel
• What may be necessary in planting and birthing an alternative worship community outside of our tradition
• The difference between positional and moral authority and how young adults view those who lead them
• Various conversion models and what we are specifically calling people to when we invite them to follow Jesus

PANEL: Daron Taylor, Coordinator for Young Adult Ministries, Diocese of South Carolina (panel leader);Scott Hofert, Co-Lead Pastor, Watershed, Charlotte, North Carolina; The Rev. Robert C. Sturdy, Trinity Church, Myrtle Beach; The Rev. Greg Smith, Chaplain to the Citadel, The Church of the Holy Cross; Todd Simonis, Young Adult Pastor and Year Team Leader, St. Andrew’s Church, Mt. Pleasant

2. Making Biblical Anglicans for a Global Age

DESCRIPTION: Paul reminds Timothy, a young leader in the early church, that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…,” (2 Timothy 3:16) yet our models for teaching and discipleship rarely aim for the outcome desired by God. We have allowed particular models and structures to limit our ability to make disciples. This Think Tank will raise issues around the importance of making Biblical Anglicans, the methods we employ, and the results we wish to see.

OUTCOME: Participants are inspired and challenged to take a fresh look at the role of teaching scripture in the church by hearing examples from various settings.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES: Participants will learn…
• That a strong emphasis on Bible teaching and preaching has been part of the Anglican ethos for centuries
• The importance of scripture as our primary source of spiritual growth
• The vitality of application in teaching for transformation
• The distinction between learner-centered and teacher-centered curricula
• The importance of the right criteria when evaluating effectiveness or success in our efforts
• The results of Biblical faithfulness - including multi-generational faithfulness, a missional mindset, and Kingdom perspective

Panel: Dave Wright, Coordinator for Youth Ministries, Diocese of South Carolina (panel leader); The Rev. Dr. Peter C. Moore, Associate for Transformational Discipleship, St. Michael's Church, Charleston; The Rev. Iain Boyd, Assistant Rector, Trinity Church, Myrtle Beach; Jonathan Bennett, Director of Student Ministires, St. Christopher Camp & Conference Center; Will Kulseth, Senior Youth Pastor, The Church of the Holy Cross, Sullivan’s Island

3. Inside Out: Spiritual Growth Takes More Than a Good Program

DESCRIPTION: For many years we have attracted people to church with great program offerings. Many churches are constantly searching for the latest and greatest program hoping it will keep people coming. However, offering "programmed and packaged discipleship" can cause us to lose sight of biblical models for spiritual growth and build an unhealthy dependence on the church.

Is the church building the only place where real spiritual growth happens? Church leaders are asking questions and becoming aware that many people are not living out their faith outside of the church-as-social-club.

We will hear from several leaders who are stepping out of the program model and making a shift to a more relational style of discipleship through the intentional development of people.

OBJECTIVES:
• To explore the possibility of shifting from program activity within the church to people development outside the church building
• To explore and discuss what investing in the development of people means for how we measure fruitfulness of our church
• To help people see and understand that there are alternatives to attractional and programmatic in-house offerings for spiritual growth
• To stimulate thought and provide a safe place for leaders to wrestle with this shift

OUTCOME: Through the examples and stories from the panel, leaders will join in the conversation and see what this shift looks like in several different environments. Leaders will connect with each other and be challenged to take risks and learn from each other as the Lord leads.

PANEL: Peter Rothermel, Coordinator for Christian Faith Formation, Diocese of South Carolina (panel leader); The Rev. Samuel P. “Shay” Gaillard, IV, Rector, The Church of the Good Shepherd, Charleston; The Rev. George F. “Trip” Cormeny, III, Associate, The Church of the Holy Cross, Sullivan’s Island; Russ Miller, Pastor, James Island Christian Church; Dave Libbon, Youth Pastor, St. Andrew’s Church, Mt. Pleasant; Amy W. Smith, Director of Christian Formation, St. Michael’s Church, Charleston; Phillip Wilson, Minister to Family and Children, Trinity Church, Pinopolis

Tuesday Workshops, 9-10:20 a.m.

1.“How can My Church make More Disciples?” Rethinking and Restructuring the Church
to fulfill its Mission

DESCRIPTION: The Church’s primary purpose is well known: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28.19-20). While almost everyone agrees this is the Church’s mission, many churches are not set up to accomplish it. These churches are either practicing a “pastoral” model of church which inwardly focuses on the needs of its members, or a model in which its programs and ministries are a scatted conglomeration of a lot of good but unrelated activities which keep everyone busy but don’t seem to make many disciples.
Neither one of these two models is the best way for a church to make disciples of Jesus Christ.

This workshop will help lay and clergy leaders to reflect upon their Church’s current ministry model and its effectiveness in making disciples. It will also introduce alternative, “missional” models which seek to clarify mission, move people through discipleship formation, align a church’s pre-existing activities with discipleship formation, and end programs which take resources away from the mission. In short, it will help leaders focus on the church’s gospel mission, how to discern and cast a vision to carry out that mission, and how to structure your church to implement the vision.

OUTCOME: Participants are better equipped to make their churches more effective in forming disciples of Jesus Christ.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES:
• Participants are reminded of the Gospel mission all churches are called to follow
• Participants are instructed on how to cast a vision to implement the Great Commission in their churches. This includes recommending various resources to help with this task
• Participants are challenged regarding the success of their church’s ministry model in making disciples.
• Participants are introduced to a “missional” model of church in which all church activities are focused on accomplishing the Great Commission. This will primarily be accomplished by doing a case study on The Church of the Holy Comforter, Sumter, SC

PRESENTER: The Rev. J. Hamilton Smith, Jr., Associate, St. Michael’s Church, Charleston

2. How to have Healthy Conflict and Better Decision-making in the Church

DESCRIPTION: Churches and congregations, like families, are messy. Conflict is not the exception, it’s the norm. If we’re willing to accept and confront this reality, we can move toward a better understanding of the causes as well as appropriate responses. Leaders should recognize that a healthy degree of conflict or active dissent can be a powerful enabler within the church that serves to strengthen and unify, facilitate change, and enable better decisions. This interactive workshop will introduce participants to the nature of conflict including its underlying symptoms and sources, characterize what healthy conflict looks like, and promote an understanding of how culture, personal motivations, and behaviors affect decisions and outcomes.

OUTCOME: Participants are better equipped to manage conflict constructively

GENERAL OBJECTIVES: Participants…
• Are introduced to the theory of constructive conflict
• Are presented with a modern day case study of managing conflict
• Are engaged in discussions by sharing experiences of how they have managed conflict in their respective churches
• Offer up observations and strategies they have employed
• Are presented with an overview of behaviors and strategies for healthy conflict

PRESENTER: Jeffrey L. Payne, Ph.D., Deputy Director, NOAA Coastal Services Center; and Senior Warden, Christ Church, Mt. Pleasant

3. Negotiate it Right! Avoiding the Pitfalls in Compensation Agreements Church

DESCRIPTION: One of the most common areas of conflict in churches has to do with differences in expectations caused by the failure to discuss everything up front during the call or hiring process. This panel will explore the components of clergy and laity compensation, what you need to offer and what is optional, how it impacts your church budget, and what types of things should be in a letter of agreement. We will also discuss how to develop a good job description either for new employee hires, or your whole staff as it exists now. There will be ample handouts with examples to take back to your church to aid you in this process.

OUTCOME: Participants leave with tools to equip them for the next time they need to add a staff member, or to document details with current staff members. They will also be empowered to go back and re-think current job descriptions to meet the needs of their church.

OBJECTIVES:
• Participants learn how to structure a salary package for both clergy and laity
• Participants learn what to discuss and what to document in either the calling of a new rector or hiring of a new lay employee
• Participants learn helpful and creative ways to approach developing job descriptions
• Participants leave with examples and a list of resources to aid in the HR process

PANEL:
Nancy J. Armstrong, Diocesan Administrator/Assistant Treasurer, Diocese of South Carolina (panel leader); The Rev. James B. Lewis, Canon to the Ordinary, Diocese of South Carolina; Thom Pennington, Principle, Quality Management Systems, LLC; Linda Bunting, Human Resources Manager, Diocese of South Carolina

4. Communication: Timeless Message/Twitter Age Church

DESCRIPTION: Communication – it’s how we share the gospel message. But gone are the days when a Sunday sermon and monthly newsletter suffice. How can we, as disciples passionate about sharing the Gospel, make the most of websites, e-newsletters, blogs, social networking sites and, yes … even Twitter?

In this workshop we’ll look at the costs and benefits of today’s mediums. How, where and when to jump in; what are the costs and, realistically, how much time will it take to keep up with a medium once its been selected? We’ll also discuss the medium/message matching game. Does the potluck belong on the website? Does the vision belong in an e-mail? Which tools makes sense for a church like ours?

OUTCOME: Participants are better informed about the technologies and how they can use them to spread the gospel.

OBJECTIVES: This workshop will help participants evaluate communication options and see which ones might work best for their churches, considering their own resources, gifts and commitment.

Together we’ll discuss:
• Websites: from individually designed sites, to web templates to static one-page introductory sites
• E-newsletters: what programs are available? How often should they go out? What content does/does not belong in an e-newsletter? How hard/easy are template sites to use?
• Blog Sites: the easiest way to have a voice. Does a blog make sense for us? What are the options?
• Social Networking Sites: Facebook and MySpace
• Twitter: “I am reading a workshop description right now”

PANEL: David Sadd, Worship and Arts Leader, St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center; Trevor Spencer, Founder, Crosstown Ministries and Services, Inc.; Joy Hunter, Director of Communications, Diocese of South Carolina (panel leader)

Tuesday Plenary Session, 10:45-noon

1. Everyone Plays: A Conversation with Local Missional Leader Steve Wood Church

DESCRIPTION: By Tuesday morning you will want to hear real stories from a local church leader who has been transitioning his church’s approach to reaching the un-churched from attractional to missional. For eight years Steve Wood, rector of St. Andrew’s, Mt. Pleasant, has upheld a Kingdom-focused vision which involves everyone in the congregation involved in meeting young people where they are and introducing them to Jesus. Steve will be asked the questions that are on your mind from a diverse group of leaders in our Diocese representing small, medium and large church perspectives.

OUTCOME: Leaders will be exposed to the blessings and challenges inherent in moving a church from an attractional mode of evangelism to cultivating a missional culture of taking the gospel out into the community.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES:
• To motivate leaders to consider the future of the church as a revolutionary movement within the context of a post-modern, post Christendom culture
• To understand a Kingdom-focused, intentional, missional approach to evangelism
• To learn about leading internal cultural change and to be exposed to practical strategies applicable to various church sizes
• To raise the level of expectations of parishioners and churches in our Diocese

PANEL: Boo Pennewill, Diocesan Consultant for Congregational Leadership (panel leader); The Rev. Stephen Wood, Rector, St. Andrews Church, Mt. Pleasant; The Rev. Andrew O’Dell, Rector, St. Matthew’s Church, Darlington; The Rev. Richard B. Luoni, St. George’s Church, Summerville; The Rev. Al Zadig, Rector, St. Michael’s Church, Charleston

Recently Added News

Pray for the 76th General Convention, Anaheim, July 8-17
Joining Bishop Lawrence in Anaheim, will be SC lay delegates: Reid Boylston, Lydia Evans, Wade Logan and Elizabeth Pennewill, with Lonnie Hamilton as first alternate. Our clergy delegates are the Very Rev. John Burwell, the Rev. Haden McCormick, the Rev. David Thurlow and the Rev. Steve Wood. Three of our delegates will be blogging from the convention. View their blogs here: The Very Rev. John Burwell, The Rev. Steve Wood, Mrs. Lydia Evans. Our Canon Theologian, the Rev. Canon Dr. Kendall S. Harmon, will be blogging offsite at titusonenine.

Read Bishop Lawrence's letter to the clergy concerning General Convention. Read the Very Rev. John Burwell's personal reflections on General Convention.

Two Clergy Gatherings Scheduled:
Post-General Convention Clergy Day, August 13
All clergy of the diocese are invited to a post-General Convention gathering at St. James Church, Charleston, August 13 from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided, but reservations are required. To make your reservation, contact Randy McPhail.

Diocesan Clergy Conference, November 9-11
A Diocesan Clergy Conference will be held at the White Oak Conference Center, in Winnsboro, SC (just outside of Columbia) November 9-11. Details to follow.

Bishop Lawrence writes to the Clergy of the Diocese
"...This summer, like the last - which had the global events such as GAFCON and Lambeth - offers gatherings that can potentially change the landscape of Anglicanism in North America and throughout the world." Read it all.

Did you receive our June 26 E-Newsletter? View it here.

Clergy and Diocesan Staff Family Picnic
Clergy and Diocesan Staff Families gathered at St. Christopher over Memorial Day weekend. View the slideshow.

Parish Administrators Gathering, July 21
We are forming a diocesan group of parish administrators and finance people with the idea of meeting regularly for fellowship and to learn from one another and share ideas. Anyone who handles administration and/or finance in their church is invited to join. Our first gathering is Tuesday, July 21, 2009 from 12:00 until 2:00 p.m. at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 1393 Miles Drive, Charleston. At this initial, organizational, meeting we will decide when, where and how often we’ll meet, the format of our meetings and choose discussion topics. The diocese will provide a boxed lunch, so please RSVP to LaQuetta Jones no later than Friday, July 17 at (843) 722-4075 or ljones@dioceseofsc.org. Thanks to the Church of the Good Shepherd for graciously offering to host our first gathering, and please make plans to attend. Questions? Call Nancy Armstrong at (843) 722-4075, Ext. 3040.

"Don't ask them to come here. Be there."
South Carolina leaders challenged to move outside churches

Over 200 clergy and lay leaders attended the Diocese of South Carolina’s Second Annual Leadership Forum at the Litchfield Beach and Golf Resort in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, May 31-June 2. Dr. Reggie McNeal, author and consultant for Leadership Network served as the keynote speaker. “Rethink, Shift, Retool,” was the theme for the three-day gathering which focused on shifts churches must make to become missionally-minded. Read more.

Operation InAsMuch
St. James, James Island, participated in the Operation InAsMuch outreach May 16. Churches throughout James Island gathered to reach out to their neighbors. View the video.

June/July/August 2009 Jubilate Deo is now online.

Invest in Your Marriage: Diocesan Couples Conference, July 24-26
You're careful with your financial investments, now's the time to invest in your marriage. Join Beth and Greg Snyder as they lead the upcoming couples conference. Read more.

Eager to Serve this Summer?
Join in a Mission Without Leaving South Carolina
Join with the Rev. Dallas Wilson and his wife, Janie, of St. John’s Chapel in Charleston as they offer “A Journey Through the Bible Essentials” to 26 young girls on Charleston’s Eastside. The program runs from June 15-August 14. Contact the Wilsons to learn more.

Province IV Offering Provides Mosquito Nets; Saves Lives
At the recent Province IV Synod meeting, the offering collected was designated to provide insecticide-treated mosquito nets for families living where the threat of malaria is strong. The $1800 collected will provide 150 of the $12 nets. On average, each net will save three lives, mostly of young children. This is accomplished through Episcopal Relief and Development. At our own recent diocesan convention, half of the offering went for the same worthwhile purpose. If your church would like to provide life-saving mosquito nets, please contact the diocese's ERD representative, Harmon Person at (813) 766-8040.

Contribute now.

Dear friends in Christ:

Building for Christ—From Generation to Generation is making it possible to fulfill our mission as a Diocese in very meaningful ways. This past year Building for Christ funds were earmarked to pay a portion of the down payment for the Diocese’s purchase of 10 acres of undeveloped land in Loris, SC. The land is perfectly located for planting a church and was offered to the Diocese by friends at a reduced price provided that action was taken promptly. Without your participation in Building for Christ we would not have been able to take advantage of this God-given opportunity to acquire prime property to use for Kingdom purposes.

This year our Building for Christ effort will be a foundational part of our support of the revival of St. John’s, our mission church on the Eastside of Charleston. This mission church, and the ministries which will be associated with it, are positioned to serve one of the most neglected and trouble-filled areas within our Diocese. This project will be the beneficiary of a portion of the Building for Christ fund this year and in the next two years. Without your faithful support of Building for Christ we will not be able to accomplish our goal of addressing our neglect of a significant constituency within our Church.

I am asking each member of the Diocese to participate with us in our Kingdom building work by giving $50 out of what the Lord has provided to you. These are tough economic times for all of us. Building for Christ is more essential than ever in our effort to expand our ministries where they are most needed. Times like these remind us not to put our faith in our worldly possessions, but to rely on our Lord and Savior.

While on his mission for Christ, early believers sent gifts to Paul to help and support him in his ministry. This is the example that we invite you to follow today. Only with your participation can we as a Diocese work to plant new churches. Only with your participation can we give our churches assistance to perhaps overcome an obstacle to their ministry. Join with us as we seek to expand God’s Kingdom here and now.

Expressing his gratitude to the early believers in Philippi for their generosity and their partnership with him for the gospel through their gifts, St. Paul wrote,

…you sent me help once and again. Not that I seek the gift; but I seek the fruit which increases to your credit….I am filled having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. (Philippians 4:15-20)

Like St. Paul I ask you to become my partner for the gospel through your gift to Building for Christ-From Generation to Generation. Like Paul, I do not seek the gift; I seek the fruit which increases to your credit, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.

You may contribute on-line by using your credit or debit card, or you may mail your gift to: Building for Christ, The Diocese of South Carolina, PO Box 20127, Charleston, SC 29413

Faithfully yours,
The Right Reverend Mark Lawrence
Bishop of the Diocese of SC

For more information, please contact us either on-line, or by calling (843) 722-4075.

Ansel Adams, whose photographs eulogizing the landscape of the western U.S. are legendary, once made the comment, “Sometimes I think I do get to places just when God is ready to have somebody click the shutter.” Anyone who has seen his pictures will hardly wish to argue with this consummate artist who was perpetually seeking “order and truth.” I recall his comment as we approach another Easter. I wonder if he had been in Jerusalem, camera-in-hand, on that first Easter morning following the women to the tomb just at what point God would have had him click the shutter. I’ve imagined three such moments. The first is described in Luke 24:1 “On the first day of the week, at early dawn….” Take the first photograph at the break of dawn as the sun rises—peeking above the Mount of Olives—a dominating sky overhead, the clouds that darkened Jerusalem on Good Friday beginning to disperse—the sunrise, the eighth day, the new dawn—itself an emblem of the resurrection, the new creation, now only in shades of black on white: the shutter clicks.

The second photograph comes as verse 1 continues, “…they came to the tomb taking the spices that they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb….” The women, spices in hand, have entered the darkened tomb; the morning light in the garden is filtered by the mist; the grain in the stone glistens from the sunlight of the new day, bearing in granite the message that the tomb is empty—click the shutter.

But my favorite picture is this: follow along with verses 3 and 4—the three women have seen that the tomb is empty, and two of them have stepped out of the tomb, the sun rising behind them. The third woman is just stepping out from the entrance of the darkened tomb, stooping a little as she does—her gaze is directed toward the two other women. Their faces are terror-filled—awestruck—their fingers loosening on the vases of spice. Standing off to their right, in the direct line of their vision are two men, the Messengers: heavenly light, brighter than the morning sun cascades over them—the Easter words having just come from their lips—“Why do you look for the living among the dead?” This is the Ansel Adams’ moment when the shutter needs to be clicked to try to capture eternity in black and white—in the interplay of light and darkness, the numinous portrayed through awestruck recognition of the presence of God—the one and only way out of the cul de sac of death.

It is easy for us to forget that that is where the first disciples were on Easter morning—in the cul de sac. They had no place to go. Peter and Andrew, James and John, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary, the mother of James and the other women. The enterprise was based on Jesus of Nazareth. This movement which they had given themselves to—this God thing—it was all dependent upon him. The healing of the sick, delivering people from dark drives and obsessions, loosening the grip of loss, the teaching about how God works in peoples’ lives, (not just religious practices), but having the ability to bring people into God’s presence, into an experience with the living God by his words and presence. When Jesus was around, God came to them; forgiveness flowed; broken lives were mended. All this seemed to happen around him. You can see the problem I suppose—Jesus was the franchise. There was no way to posture or pretend about these things. Without him it would be futile to carry on. The disciples could dress in robes; learn certain chants, liturgies, rites and ceremonies; they might even build an impressive temple but if the franchise is all about people encountering the living God through Jesus of Nazareth and he’s dead then what have you got?

To further illustrate my point, remember the disciples didn’t have any of these. The Pharisees and the scribes had the Hebrew scriptures; the priests in the temple had the altar of sacrifice, the altar of incense, the candelabra, the shew bread, the robes, the Holy of Holies—all that the disciples had was Jesus. Frankly, if he had not been raised we would never have heard of him. And just to have heard of him is hardly enough anyway. Without Jesus they were clearly in the cul de sac of death, which Karl Barth once called “the hopeless cul de sac.” That’s what those who stumble over Jesus’ seemingly exclusive statement that he is “the way, the truth and the life” too often forget. The Easter message is quite clear here—there’s one way out of the cul de sac and Jesus pioneered it.

Take every dear person you have known who has died. In almost thirty years of parish ministry I have buried a lot of dear ones. Some young, some old—I’ve followed their caskets or processed their ashes out from the church. Was this all there was to them—body, ashes, decomposing? Does death have the last word? “Don’t look back,” said Satchel Page, “something may be gaining on you.” The pattern of life, the genetic code, the physical being that identifies you and me and those we’ve known, does it decompose and is no more? According to John Polkinghorne, theoretical physicist and Anglican theologian, “It seems perfectly rational to believe that it will be remembered by God and reconstituted in a divine act of resurrection.” But if that is the case, that at death God remembers the pattern that is you and me, he will resurrect us in the matter, the physical-spiritual material of the world to come. My “re-embodiment” as Polkinghorne puts it, “will be in the transformed matter of this present universe.” Not ex nihilo, or out of nothing, as he did with the creation, but he will transform “this present world in an act of new creation.” The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the first of this new creation. His death, because of this resurrection, far from ending the franchise, raised it to a new level of universal applicability. It is news, good news, for every family, tribe, people and nation.

Had in fact, Ansel Adams, or some other photographer of renown been there at the tomb to snap the shutter what the emulsion sheet would have registered is hard to say. The tomb empty: for sure. The disciples awestruck: no doubt. The messengers draped in light? Possibly. The new creation through Jesus Christ invading this present world with unspeakable glory?—who can say how that would’ve registered through the camera apertures of this present world. That his risen body cast shadows in the sunlight: this I believe. That he invaded and still invades this age with that which is to come: I have experienced for myself. That he is the sure way out of the hopeless cul de sac of death: That alone is what I have wagered my life and the life of my loved ones upon—the sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ.