The Southern Cross March/April 2011 by Jim DeLa

SouthernCross The

A Publication of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida

The Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida is a community of 34,000 Christians in 11 counties serving 77 congregations, 13 schools, two campus ministries and the DaySpring Conference Center. Established in 1969.

Highlights IN this issue

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Bishop The Rt. Rev. Dabney T. Smith Mailing address: 7313 Merchant Court Sarasota, FL 34240 Phone: (941) 556-0315 Fax: (941) 556-0321

From the Bishop Newest clergy:

Two ordinations, reception celebrated at Cathedral

Future of the church?

Website: www.episcopalswfl.org

Latino population gains may provide opportunity for growth

In the United States, the Episcopal Church is a community of 2.3 million members in 110 dioceses in the Americas and abroad. Presiding Bishop The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori 815 Second Avenue New York, NY 10017 (212) 867-8400 The Episcopal Church is part of the Anglican Communion, a global community of 70 million Anglicans in 38 member churches/provinces in more than 160 countries. Archbishop of Canterbury The Most Rev. and Rt. Hon. Rowan Williams Lambeth Palace London WE1 7JU UNITED KINGDOM

On the cover: A wooden holding cross is sanded into shape. The cross is one of thousands made by Birger Anderson of Pine Island. Read more on page 12. The words are from the collect for the Sunday before Ash Wednesday.

Jim DeLa, editor E-mail: jdela@episcopalswfl.org The Southern Cross 7313 Merchant Court Sarasota, FL 34240 Phone: (941) 556-0315, ext. 268

Tips for surviving the parish audit

Palm-sized faith:

Hobby bringing comfort to many

Photo by Jim DeLa

The Southern Cross is a member of Episcopal News Service and Episcopal Communicators. The Southern Cross is published six times a year: January, March, May, July, September and November. Copies are shipped to all congregations for free distribution. Articles, letters, calendar information and photos are welcome. They will be used on a space-available basis and are subject to editing. Send all material (preferably in electronic form by e-mail) to:

Audit season:

Remarkable journey: Bishop Gene Robinson shares views in Sarasota

23 Events Calendar Submission deadlines for 2011 issues: May/June 2010 July/August 2011 September/October November/December

April 1 June 1 August 1 October 1

The Southern Cross March/April 2011

Ordinations reaffirm the purpose of the call of all the baptized

From Bishop

ne of the Two particular items realities of from this collection of ordiserving the nation services strike me. Church as “In the ordination of a a diocesan bishop that priest this purpose is emI have had to come to phasized: In all that you terms with is how far do, you are to nourish in advance items are Christ’s people from the booked on the calendar. The Rt. Rev. Dabney T. Smith riches of his grace, and It sometimes creates strengthen them to glorify an interesting converGod in this life and in the gence of events. Two life to come.” In the ordination of a deacon, this years ago I was asked purpose is emphasized: “At all times, your life to attend the annual and teaching are to show Christ’s people that in convention of the Diocese of the Dominican Reserving the helpless they are serving Christ himpublic. In that time I was asked to preach at the self.” annual convention of the Diocese of the Central It is notable that in both instances Christ’s Gulf Coast. The interesting result was this: On people are to be strengthened and shown how to a Thursday evening I was honored to preach in live as Christ’s people. Alabama for a convention Eucharist in which In other words, clergy function so that the eight people were ordained to the diaconate, repChurch can be the Church, that is, the Body of resenting the first class of vocational deacons in Christ in the world. The Catechism in the Book that diocese. The next week I was in the Dominiof Common Prayer (page 855) states that the can Republic and participated in the convention “mission of the Church is to restore all people to Eucharist in which five people from the Dominiunity with God and each other in Christ” and that can seminary were ordained to the priesthood. “the Church carries out its mission through the Then the very next week, we had a beautiful ministry of all its members.” ordination service at our cathedral in St. PetersGod is continuing to call the baptized into burg, in which two were ordained to the diaconworld-serving ministry. Some are called to be ate and a former Dominican Republic Roman teachers, some politicians, some homemakers, Catholic priest was received as a priest into the some attorneys, some volunteers, some emergenEpiscopal Church. What a wonderful whirlwind cy workers, some medical professionals, some of ordinations! business owners, some hospitality workers, some This calendrical convergence put me in a poentertainers, some financial experts, some musisition to both witness and participate in the spiricians and artists, some vestry members, some tual growth and energy in our Church. I was able youth ministers … and some, even clergy, to to see expressions of corporate diocesan joy and glorify God in this life and in the life to come! individual faces of deep spiritual commitment in each of these ordination services. I am pleased to see how God is continuing to “look favorably on (the) whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery,” as that significant collect prays. As an aside, the ordination service in Southwest Florida was not within the context of a convention Eucharist, and I was very pleased to see such a strong showing of the diocesan family, both in clergy and people. The Southern Cross March/April 2011

the

Letters to the editor and Reflections essays to The Southern Cross are appreciated and encouraged. We ask that letters be as concise as possible — with a 300-word suggested limit — and stay on one topic. Authors should include their full name, parish affiliation or city of residence. Anonymous letters will not be published. All submissions are subject to editing to improve clarity and to fit in the available space for each issue. Please send correspondence to: Letters to the Editor The Southern Cross Diocese of Southwest Florida 7313 Merchant Court Sarasota, FL 34240 Or send letters by fax to (941) 556-0321; or by e-mail to jdela@episcopalswfl.org

By Virginia D. Harper, Ed.D.

n addition to my many pastoral duties at church, teaching public high school and social activism, I write the education blog for our local newspaper. For the last two years I have reflected about the state of education both nationally and locally and how it affects our fellow human beings, young and old. Often I will attack a particularly divisive issue such as teacher workforce issues, student achievement and student behavior that leads to imprisonment. I’m outspoken about policies that encourage the dehumanizing and abstraction of our students. As I write this I can almost see you shifting in your chairs and getting a bit anxious. Don’t worry, I’m not going to muse about education. However, I am going to comment about these troubling times. Education is, by its true nature, politically polarizing. Talking about it usually brings out all the old clichés that readin,’ writin,’ and ’rithmatic can manufacture. Since almost all of us have been through formalized education, almost all of us think we are experts on how best to turn our young into thoughtful and spiritual creatures. What I was not prepared for was the vitriol and personal attacks jettisoned at me personally, on almost every issue of compassion and reason, that I have brought forth. These comments then extended well beyond the blogged issues and into vitriolic and vulgar personal attacks. When I blogged about the wisdom of giving youthful offenders forgiveness and second chances, I was called a frump, an idiot, a bleeding heart and invited by a reader to be raped and robbed by an offender and then see if the police

— Virginia Harper is clerk of the vestry at Iona-Hope Episcopal Church in Fort Myers.

Reflections R

Letters

Righteous anger in tough times would come to help me. When I blogged support for unions and associations that made working conditions for teachers and staff better over the last century, i.e., fair pay, maternity leave, and in general treating others as one would treat one’s self, I was called a drunk, stupid, past my prime and ready for retirement. My head spun in reading the comments. When I blogged that readers should think carefully before they bash public school teachers and students as the ruination of society, I was told I should be fired, censored or worse, people should come to my home and harass me. I am appalled by, but no longer surprised at, the hate that has crept into public discourse. Don’t get me wrong; I realize that a public blog is fair game. However, I find myself, after the Tucson shootings, worried when I attend public forums, not just for myself, but for others who would serve their fellow human beings. Service itself is under attack. We are a society that historically has taken care of its young, its old, its sick and its least. And I also find myself full of righteous anger. Those who would feed the hungry, visit the prisons, heal the sick, attend the dying, nurture the soul, teach the young are those who are doing God’s work. These ministries apparently, in troubling times, are fiscally costly and politically volatile for a nation that prides itself on human rights. I hear a new breed of leaders, (Continued on page 21) The Southern Cross March/April 2011

In Brief

Fun and games will be a part of the package for kids at the diocese’s 2011 summer camp at DaySpring Conference Center in Parrish.

Healing mission set for March 19 in Naples

Summer camp 2011 registration now open

The diocesan Summer Camp theme for this summer is Get it, Got it, Give it. Together as a community, campers will b e ex p l o ring what it means to live out the Great Commission. E a c h day youth will experience worship, Bible study, arts and crafts, drama classes, music, outdoor activities including canoeing, and sports. Evening programs include campfires, movies under the stars (weather permitting), scavenger hunts, square dancing, talent shows and more. The camp has an experienced college-aged counseling staff, along with a support staff of adults, a camp nurse and two lifeguards. The lead staff for camp this summer will all be trained in first aid and CPR. The cost for each camper is $375. Register by March 31 and get a $20 discount. Camp dates are: l Elementary Summer Camp: June 12-17 l Youth Summer Camp: June 26 to July 1

Our summer camp program will take place at DaySpring Episcopal Conference Center, 8411 25th St. E. in Parrish. DaySpring is on a 92-acre campus located along the Manatee River. For more information about the 2011 Summer Camp, contact the camp’s director, Jackie Overton, at (941) 488-7714. The Southern Cross March/April 2011

On Saturday, March 19 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., St. John’s Episcopal Church in Naples will be hosting a healing mission featuring the Rev. Nigel Mumford, director of Christ the King Spiritual Life Center. St. John’s Order of St. Luke is sponsoring this event, which will feature healing messages and prayer, worship and fellowship during lunch. St. John’s is at 500 Park Shore Drive, in Naples. Register by calling the church office at (239) 261-2355.

Fashion show to benefit outreach programs

The Episcopal Church Women of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Hudson will be holding their annual fashion show on April 2 at the Heritage Pines Club House, 11524 Scenic Hills Blvd. in Hudson. Fashions will be provided by Cotton Patch Casuals in Tarpon Springs. Doors open at 11 a.m. with lunch at noon. The day includes a grand prize drawing, silent auctions, music and food. Proceeds benefit outreach programs of ECW and St. Martin’s. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by calling Nancy at (727) 378-5776. For questions about registration, please contact Michelle Mercurio at (941) 556-0315, ext. 274 or go to www.episcopalswfl.org/youth_ministry to download registration forms.

Counselor training

The diocese will also be offering a leadership development counselor-intraining program for high school youth in grades 9-12. This training will include team building, learning skills to facilitate small groups and hands-on opportunities to lead our camp community in Bible study, worship and other activities. Training space is limited. Contact Michelle Mercurio at (941) 556-0315, ext. 274.

Vocations Information Day is April 9

The Commission on Ministry is hosting an event for anyone trying to discern their calling on Saturday, April 9 from 9 a.m. to noon at Diocesan House, 7313 Merchant Court in Sarasota. Anyone interested in the development of their ministry, whether lay person, deacon or priest, is welcome to attend. Attendance does not require permission of your rector or vicar, nor does it imply the approval for admittance to the ordination process. Register at www.episcopalswfl. org or call Tana Sembiante at (941) 556-0315. (Continued on page 8)

Southern Cross file photos

The Rev. Richard Lampert, the Hispanic missioner at Church of the Redeemer, conducts a Palm Sunday service in Spanish at Gillespie Park in Sarasota in 2007. His ministry has seen a resurgence in the last six months.

Shifting strategy on Latino ministry Demographic trends showing an opportunity for growth By Jim DeLa Editor, The Southern Cross

s the Episcopal Church ponders growth in the 21st century, consider these U.S. Census statistics: l The U.S. is the second-largest Latino country in the world,

with 45.5 million Hispanics, second only to Mexico.

l By the year 2050, it is projected that one of every three

Americans will be Latino. And they will be considerably younger than the rest of the population.

“And our Episcopal churches don’t reflect any of that,” said the Rev. Canon Anthony Guillen, the Latino/Hispanic missioner for the Episcopal Church. Guillen was in Southwest Florida in February to lead a workshop at DaySpring Conference Center on starting and main-

taining successful Latino ministries. His message was simple: Start noticing how the community around you is changing; and change the way congregations view Hispanic ministry. “What I offered was a vision for what Hispanic/Latino ministry is — and what it’s not,” Guillen said, explaining the ministry should be viewed as a “formation of communities of faith, rather than social services.” He advises congregations to use demographics to get a better sense of the people who are in their communities and encourages them to seek second, third and fourth generation Latinos and not limit their scope to The Rev. Anthony Guillen immigrants. Guillen told The Southern Cross the Episcopal Church’s new strategic vision has been forming for two years. “We’ve reviewed what we’ve done in the past, which hasn’t always been successful,” he said. “We felt we needed some facts.” After (Continued on page 7) The Southern Cross March/April 2011

Latino ministry

On a good Sunday, Lampert says there are about 200 people at their Spanish service, bringing about 60 children who attend (Continued from page 6) Sunday School in four different age groups. pouring over demographic data, his office also reviewed seven He says the Latino community in Southwest Florida is even other major denominations’ master plans for Hispanic ministry. larger than the demographic data would suggest. The projections His office is working on a how-to manual using anecdotal stories are low, he says, “because many are undocumented and they’re as well as new models for creating an effective Latino ministry. never counted.” “We wanted to use all that data to shape the vision,” he St. Giles Episcopal Church in Pinellas Park began its Latino explained, adding that the Episcopal Church has many strengths ministry a few months ago by adding a service in Spanish to its that Latinos say they find attractive. “We have a catholic faith, Sunday schedule. The priest-in-charge, the Rev. Ann McLemore, we have an open approach to said the Latino community is Scripture and focus on inclusion growing there, noting that 35 and diversity.” percent of students in the nearHe says studies also show by elementary school church there’s a correlation between are Hispanic. English proficiency and time. McLemore, who served “The longer a person is here, in Mexico for 22 years before the more English they speak. coming to Southwest Florida, This is the group that is more agrees with Guillen that the apt to convert — so this is the church needs to correct pergroup we ought to be intentionsistent misperceptions that ally seeking.” But most of the Latino ministry only deals church’s existing Latino miniswith immigrants and migrant tries are focused on immigrants, farmworkers. “which takes more resources, What’s been overlooked, more convincing,” and probably she says, are the families who yields poorer results. have been here for two and “Let’s just be smart. Let’s three generations. “Yes, they look at what the science tells speak English just fine, but us. Let’s recognize that we’re their home language is Spanin a major evangelistic opporish. We’re missing this whole tunity, based on immigration section of society … That’s the and in increased birthrate in this group we’re trying to look at,” country.” she said. He also insists the use of And it’s not just about social media is vital to attract social services. During the new Latino members. “Right workshop at DaySpring, Guilnow, there are more Latinos len used an example of a church on social media than Anglos. handing out shoes in an AfriSeventy percent of Latinos use can-American neighborhood. a smartphone. We download “That’s not doing Afro-Amerimore movies and more music can ministry,” McLemore said. than Anglos do. It’s a place The Rev. Richard Lampert says the biggest divide between “That’s just handing out shoes to connect — so the churches Latino and Anglo worshippers is not language or culture, but in a neighborhood that just ought to be much more inten- economics. happens to be predominantly tional and proactive in using African-American. social media to keep their congregation connected and to connect “We really have to get a grasp on that as a diocese because to the larger community. It’s easy and affordable to do,” he said. we tend to do that,” she said. St. Giles is making inroads. “What we’re trying to do is Local efforts not only have this be a neighborhood church, but have it be a The Church of the Redeemer in Sarasota has seen a great neighborhood church that truly serves the community it’s in,” resurgence in its Latino ministry in the last six months, due in McLemore said. large part to the parish’s Hispanic missioner, the Rev. Richard To do that, St. Giles hosted a Senor de los Miliagros festival Lampert. With 40 years of experience with Hispanic ministry, last fall, honoring the patron saint of Lima, Peru, as well as an he says growing a Latino congregation is not that different from Our Lady of Guadalupe festival, a Mexican tradition. Also, St. building an Anglo congregation. Giles has begun making connections by renting out meeting “We went back to basics. Lots of visitations,” he said. They rooms and the parish hall to local groups, for parties and other also brought back the church’s van ministry, to shuttle people community events. without cars to church. “We brought back the coffee hour. And (Continued on page 9) frankly, poured a lot on energy and excitement into the service.” The Southern Cross March/April 2011

In Brief

(Continued from page 5)

ECW Day of Inspiration is March 12

The board of the diocesan Episcopal Church Women invites the women of the diocese to its Day of Inspiration on Saturday, March 12, at DaySpring Conference Center, 8411 25th St. East in Parrish. Registration will begin at 8:45 a.m. and the day will end with the Eucharist at 2 p.m., celebrated by Bishop Dabney Smith. Special guest and keynote speaker will be Barbara Owens, the Province IV representative to the national board of ECW. The cost for the day, including lunch, is $25. For further information please call Kathy Gosselin at (352) 293-4077.

Workshop to refine Cursillo leaders’ skills

A workshop for leaders of Cursillo, a spiritual renewal program for adults, will be held April 29 to May 1 at DaySpring Conference Center in Parrish. Participants develop knowledge and build on their commitment to Christ, clarify the purpose of the Cursillo movement, help grow new leaders and define how to live the Cursillo method and do it effectively. To register, contact Pete Hunziker at hunzpe@gmail.com; Pat Magnant at patricia.magnant@hcahealthcare.com or Pete Soto at petesoto827@hotmail.com.

Run, walk to help Dominican church project

Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, the Dominican Development Group and the Tampa Deanery are sponsoring La Barquita Fun Run, a 5K timed run and a 1K fun walk at Al Lopez Park, 4810 North Himes Ave., in Tampa on March 19. Sign up is at 7 a.m., and the race begins at 8 a.m. Early registration fee is $20 for the 5K and $15 for the fun walk. Proceeds will go toward the completion of the La Barquita Church and school in the Dominican Republic. When completed, this project will provide approximately 400 children the opportunity to attend the school. To sign up, go to www.Active.com and search for La Barquita Fun Run.

Opera Society program at St. Paul’s, Naples

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Naples, in cooperation with the Southwest Florida Italian Opera Society, will present “Walking With God” on Sunday, March 13, at 3 p.m. at St. Paul’s, 3901 Davis Blvd. The program will include a selection of devotional-spiritual, operatic and semi-classical songs. The performance features Italian born baritone Dino Valle together with soprano Ellie VanderMeuse accompanied by Russian pianist Lidia Doroshina. Tickets are $20 and available at the church office on weekdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call (239) 643-0197 for more information.

Watch, discuss ‘The History Boys’ in Naples

Art Hale Movie Night at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 3901 Davis Blvd. in Naples, continues its movie and discussion series with a showing of the film “The History Boys” on Tuesday, March 22, at 7 p.m. This film will be introduced by the rector emeritus of St. Paul’s, the Rev. Canon Larry Smellie. All are invited to remain after the showing for conversation. Some scenes include mature content. There is no charge. Popcorn will be provided.

Slow down for Lent and reconnect with God

A Lenten quiet day with the theme “Reconnecting with God and with your Soul,” is set for March 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Trinity-by-the-Cove Episcopal Church, 553 Galleon Drive in Naples. It is sponsored by the Daughters of the King, Participants will be introduced to two simple, classic spiritual practices of journaling and centering prayer. The day will include a series of reflections that are designed to invite each person into a deeper connection with God and self. The day will be led by the Rev. Dr. Scott Stoner, of the Samaritan Family Wellness Foundation in Milwaukee. To reserve a place, e-mail Katie at kander(Continued on page 9)

Photo by Judy Stark

Verger Virginia Rowell wears one of the new chimeres.

New threads beget new hope for Ugandan child The vergers at St. Peter’s Cathedral in St. Petersburg have some new robes, called chimeres, thanks to the generosity of Peggy Curlin of St. John’s, Tampa, a member of the diocesan Altar Guild and a skilled seamstress. Instead of being paid for her work, Curlin asked that a donation be made to the Bishop Masereka Christian Foundation of western Uganda. The vergers decided that their payment would be a year’s education for a child, at a cost of $330. They are now sponsoring 13-year-old Felesta Kabugho, who started primary grade 5 in January. Felesta’s parents are both living, but her father does not provide for his 10 children. The Southern Cross March/April 2011

In Brief

(Continued from page 8)

Latino ministry

(Continued from page 7)

son@trinitybythecove.com.

Golf outing to benefit youth in Safety Harbor

The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit in Safety Harbor hosts its 10th Annual Golf Tournament benefiting youth programs at Holy Spirit on Saturday, April 2. Sign in at Lansbrook Golf Club in Palm Harbor begins at 11:30 a.m. and four-person teams will tee-off at 1 p.m. Tournament highlights include a hole in one contest with a grand prize of a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze courtesy of Dimmitt Chevrolet of Clearwater. Awards will be given to first, second and third place, closest to the pin and longest drive. An awards dinner and silent auction will follow the tournament. The cost is $70 per player, which includes green fees, cart, dinner, two raffle tickets and prizes.

Sarasota golfers to scramble for good cause

The Church of the Nativity in Sarasota will hold its 14th annual golf outing, an 18-hole scramble beginning on April 9, starting at 1 p.m. at Rolling Green Golf Course. Cost per player is $50, which includes dinner, raffle, door prizes and awards. Cost for golf only is $35 or $20 for dinner only. To register, call Mark Peelor at (941) 751-4334.

Hit the links to help food pantry at Sun City Center

St. John the Divine’s 5th golf outing will be held Saturday, March 26, at Club Renaissance in Sun City Center, 2121 S. Pebble Beach. The $25 entry fee includes cart, greens fees and lunch following play. Golfers form their own four-person team and will play a scramble. Players’ spouses may attend the lunch at an extra cost of $25. Register before March 19. All participants are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the church’s food pantry. The donation will entitle them to one raffle ticket. For more information, call Ilene Hemingway at (813) 633-6564. The Southern Cross March/April 2011

“We’re still looking for our niche in this neighborhood and this part of the diocese,” she said.

Melding cultures

How do you get separate groups of worshipers, speaking different languages, to feel united as a congregation? Is it really necessary? “Worshipping separately is not necessarily a bad thing,” Canon Guillen observed. The difference between Latino and Anglo worship experiences, he suggests, is not unlike the differences in atmosphere between a typical, more subdued 8 a.m. service and a typical 10 a.m. “family” service. Different people prefer different experiences, he said. “Now being ‘one’ takes work. It comes about through fellowship, not worship,” Guillen said. McLemore agrees. “It’s not easy,” she said. “We’re trying to focus on ‘One Family, Two Languages.’ It’s not like this is just a group we’re renting the facilities to.” At Church of the Redeemer in Sarasota, special events are planned throughout the year to bring the Latino and Anglo worshippers together, such as a joint Palm Sunday celebration planned in April. But Fr. Lampert pointed out there are even more profound differences to balance. “The real division is not race — or even language. It’s economic,” he said. “It gets tricky. Realistically, blending the two together takes a lot of work.” Redeemer also formed a Hispanic Commission, a group of six Latino parishioners, three Anglo parishioners and Lampert, who act as a vestry of sorts, to decide the goals and direction of the ministry. Lampert credited the church for the success of the ministry. “None of this would be happening without the resources and commitment” of Church of the Redeemer. “So far, we’re doing great,” Lampert said.

to deal with, Guillen concedes. “There has to be real conversation,” he said. “There’s a fair amount of resistance that occurs everywhere because people perceive the church as abandoning them. You’ll hear ‘I don’t want to be involved because I don’t want them to take over my church.’ And that’s a legitimate fear because people have invested in their buildings and their history.” Guillen says he tries to put things in perspective. “We build in order to give. We work all our lives in order to give to our heirs. “What I tell people is, ‘your legacy is that there’s going to be a viable, vibrant group of Episcopalians here in the near future.’” The Rev. Canon Dennis McManis, the diocese’s canon for mission and outreach, says change is healthy. “You’ll see small churches that are declining that look at their pastor as a chaplain of a social group. The churches that are growing are reflective of their community. And that community is changing,” he said. “I think we can embrace change and not be afraid of it.” McLemore says the membership of St. Giles has changed noticeably in the past two years, as older white parishioners die or enter assisted living facilities, while multicultural and other nontraditional families come in. “You see this evolution taking place. The new church is looking different.” Guillen says he sees a strong commitment in Southwest Florida to Latino ministry. He says it will take some money as well as a significant investment of time in doing the demographic research, and the commitment to make it work. “Local congregations need to make an assessment of what resources they have ... and people have to invest in dreaming about what can be. And that’s exciting, and for some people, really scary.” Canon Guillen will be offering an online seminar on Latino ministry on March 31 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Check for details on the diocesan website, www. episcopalswfl.org.

Conquering fear

If existing congregation begin to respond to the changing demographics around them, things will eventually change, and change isn’t always easy

There’s help available to survive an audit

udits are usually done for If your congregation is too small or you several reasons, such as de- are having trouble forming a committee, contact me. A special audit nomination requirement, ministry partnership has been formed to assist those church bylaw requirement parishes who are in need or simply to be accountable. However the main of a committee to conduct their audit. We are also purpose is to ensure finanalways looking for those cial statements are fairly who wish to serve the stated. ministry. Not only are annual audits a requirement for The scope of the audit should be communicated all churches in our diocese to the audit committee as per Canon XIV, Secand should include the tion 2, they also promote following: goodwill among church members. Although many l Sufficient test of transprefer not to have one, no Nora Ortiz actions to assure complidisclosure is worse than ance with policies and full disclosure. procedures of your conThe canons permit the auditing of gregation. congregational accounts by an indepenl Verification of financial statements. dent certified accountant, a licensed public l A review of all committee meetaccountant or by a committee. Statistics ings, such as finance committee showed that 63 percent of the churches in meetings and vestry meetings to our diocese used an audit committee to determine if there are any financial conduct their audit last year. Below are decisions that should be reflected in some tips and suggestions when using a the financial statements. committee to perform the audit. l A review of management control Audit committee members should practices using the internal control be independent of the decision making questionnaire found in the Manual and financial record keeping functions of Business Methods in Church of the congregation. Based on the size of Affairs. your congregation, the audit committee Keep in mind the following objecmay consist of one to three individuals. tives of the audit:

Resources

l That the various transactions

throughout the year are proper and documented appropriately. l That the various transactions are recorded in the proper amounts and in the proper accounts. l That, to the extent feasible, adequate internal control procedures were and continue to be in effect. l That the financial statements for the year were prepared from the financial records and fairly state the financial position of the congregation. Audits are the one area nearly all church leaders wish they could avoid. The word audit can instill fear in the hearts of most individuals, but have no fear. There are plenty of resources out there. You can find more audit information in the Manual of Business Methods in Church Affairs found on our website, or you can always contact me at the diocesan office. Happy Auditing! — Nora Ortiz is the diocese’s parish administration resource, a specialist in parish administration, serving parish and diocesan leadership with expertise in parish financial management, including financial reporting, parochial reports, audits, benefits administration, accounting systems and internal controls. Contact Nora at nortiz@episcopalswfl.org.

‘Safe church’ trainers to gather for review On April 30, the diocese is gathering the people who teach Safeguarding God’s Children, the successful program to educate and raise awareness of how to protect children involved in church programs from abuse. Since 2004, when a group of people from Southwest Florida traveled to Orlando to take the initial training in the protection of children from abuse, the program has evolved into one of the most successful initiatives in the history of the Episcopal Church. It has been proven that potential abusers knew of heightened awareness,

and all reports of abuse dropped dramatically. More than 7,500 Episcopalians in this diocese have undertaken Safeguarding All God’s Children to great effect in our congregations. The program has evolved since 2004 as well. Most changes have included more materials into the mix, including training on the prevention of the abuse of the elderly and the prevention of sexual exploitation of adults and the sexual harassment of church workers. In September 2009, Safeguarding Online was launched in our diocese and made online updates available during the

2010 diocesan convention. Several changes have prompted the diocese to call all certified trainers together to see how to enhance and revise practices to reflect these developments. These include a new bishop. Also technology to make live distance learning available, such as Skype and MegaMeeting, is now available. The meeting will be at Pavillion A at DaySpring Conference Center, 8411 25th St. East, in Parrish, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. To register for this event, contact Tana Sembiante at (941) 556-0315, ext. 271. The Southern Cross March/April 2011

The votes are in: What makes a good warden? By Lindsay Hardin Freeman Vestry Papers The online newsletter Vestry Papers conducted an informal survey of rectors from the Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes. They asked two questions: What are five best traits in a warden? What would you like your warden(s) to know, but that is hard to articulate faceto-face? Here are some of their answers: From Leslie Smith, interim rector of Christ Church, Short Hills, N.J.: Five best traits: l A generalist in church experience l Supportive of rector in professional role l Supportive of rector in his/her personal journey l Collaborate in decision making l Able to develop a friendship with rector. I would like a warden to know: I have been able to articulate this usually: I am a complete human being who is called to be an ordained minister. I have certainties and insecurities; strengths and weaknesses; generosities and pettinesses; openness and narrowness; wins and losses. All these and much more make me a whole person. I know you will treat me as such. From Ted Copland, rector, St. Boniface, Sarasota: Five best traits: l Warden is a recognized leader in the parish. l Warden is a supporter of rector and parish vision for mission. l Warden has been caught at prayer and identifies self as having a spiritual life (at whatever stage of development). l Warden can stand up and address the congregation with confidence. l Warden is fun to be with. I would like a warden to know: That wardens have a special ministry — which I trust — to correct, challenge, encourage and/or redirect me at any time. From Anonymous: Five best traits: The Southern Cross March/April 2011

l Loves God. l Loves the church. l Loves me. l Is well-organized. l Isn’t afraid to work harder than he or

she ever thought they’d have to work.

I would like a warden to know: I will never complain, but I work a whole lot harder and am stretched a whole lot farther than you have any idea. From Clare Fischer-Davies, rector, St. Martin’s, Providence, R.I.: Five best traits: l Honesty l Accountability l Hope l Faith l Courage I would like a warden to know: I told my wardens at our biweekly meeting this week the one thing I’ve needed to share most with them — which is my greatest fear for my own ministry at St. Martin’s — is not being able to unlock the enormous potential of this parish. We have some disconnect between the energy, passion and love for this community and our ability to meet strategic goals. There are some circumstantial things that have contributed to that disconnect, but there are also questions about the whole congregational system and my role within that system. It ended up being a really constructive and forward looking conversation as we make plans for 2009. I’ve generally been blessed with excellent wardens — and St. Martin’s in Providence is the best of a good bunch. In my three years here, I’ve found them to be consistently constructive, supportive, challenging when necessary, loving and generous.

pen and is available for regular meetings, sometimes on short notice. l Unflappable — not reactionary when difficult things arise — a “nonanxious presence.” l Good sense of humor and likes having fun! AND (you didn’t ask, but I’ll volunteer anyway) the five worst traits: l Uses role to lord it over others —

loves too much the “insider” status the role gives them. l Likes to micromanage, does not have clear role boundaries. l Unavailable to rector or staff. l Takes no initiative to get things done — has poor organizational skills. l Poor at conflict management, is adversarial with rector or others I would like a warden to know: How much I appreciate it when they think I’ve done a great job. Also (and I do try to articulate this as often as possible) how much I absolutely love the fact that they are so available and willing to roll up their sleeves and be involved, that they take initiative to make things happen, even though they are both otherwise very busy, responsible people. I’m blessed to have two of the best wardens ever right now, so you asked me at a good time. I might have had different answers under other circumstances. —Reprinted from ECF Vital Practices www.ecfvp.org.

And from Jeff Gill, rector, Christ Church, Andover, Mass.: Five best traits: l Love of God and neighbor — an exemplary Christian life and regular church attendance. l Committed to working in partnership with the rector — honest and open, but nonadversarial. l Takes initiative to make things hap-

Holding

Faith in the palm of your hand Text and photos by Jim DeLa

Birger Anderson uses a sander to make a holding cross in his Pine Island workshop.

The Southern Cross March/April 2011

Rough patterns of multiple crosses are traced from a template onto a block of wood which are then cut into the proper shape.

owerful messages are often conveyed in the simplest ways.

A woodworking project has struck a chord with thousands of people who have purchased Birger Anderson’s palm-sized crosses, designed to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. Anderson, a retired firefighter and parishioner at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Pine Island, said the idea for the crosses came to him in his workshop. “I fooled around with it and cut out a few,” he said. “It evolved into this shape. “I just made a few more. I took them to church one day and people liked ‘em,” he recalled. Two years later, he’s still at it. “I’ve probably made about 2,600 now.” Anderson gives many away as gifts, but sells most of them, usually for $10 apiece. The proceeds go to St. John’s and so far, he’s contributed more than $5,000 to the small rural congreThe Southern Cross March/April 2011

gation. The holding crosses, as he calls them, are not symmetrical, designed to be more comfortable in your hand. Each cross has a carrying pouch made by members of St. John’s and comes with some suggestions on how to use it: “The constant presence of the cross in your hand, or where you can touch it, is both an invitation to prayer and a reminder of God’s continued presence with us wherever we are or whatever situation we are in.” Anderson says he gets letters and e-mails regularly from people who share stories about the comfort the crosses have provided. Because there is no metal used, Anderson said they can be held during most medical procedures, such as MRIs. He’s even heard of people being able to hold them while they were having surgery. No two holding crosses are alike and can be made from nearly any wood. “People give me wood from all over,” to make crosses, he said, from exotic African hardwood to simple driftwood. His workshop behind his Pine Island home (Continued on page 14)

No two holding crosses are the same, even if they are cut from the same block of wood.

Episcopal Church Building Fund offers symposium

As dioceses and parishes struggle with spiraling costs and shrinking budgets, a church’s most significant physical assets — its buildings — often are in serious disrepair. A symposium April 27–29 in Salt Lake City seeks to equip church leaders to solve this problem in ways that make both financial and pastoral sense. Participants can expect open and honest conversations with a focus on realistic approaches. According to a news release from the Fund, attendees are encouraged to share their ideas and experiences, and invite colleagues from other denominations to join in this conversation. This national gathering will provide networking opportunities for support systems and creative synergy. Crumbling buildings are in many cases the single biggest barrier to mission and ministry. According to the Church Insurance Company, every month more than three congregations close their doors for good. This alarming situation threatens the health and life of the Episcopal Church. The raft of complex financial, pastoral and historical issues surrounding these buildings has made this a problem easier to ignore than to address. The upcoming symposium will be the second hosted by the Episcopal Church Building Fund. Themes to be addressed are: l Using real estate assets for income streams to support the parish budget and ministry;

Holding crosses

(Continued from page 13) is filled with materials. “I’ve got enough here to make crosses for the next 10 years.” The process is surprisingly simple. The first concern is the thickness of the wood he’s working with. “I try to plane the wood down to five-eighths of an inch thick, because that seems to be the most comfortable to hold in your hand.” After tracing out patterns onto the wood, he cuts them out into a rough

l How environmentally sensitive at-

tention to church buildings can save money; l Emergent church models that deemphasize buildings; l Using church buildings to their fullest potential, connecting with the wider community; and l Dispersing of real estate assets that are no longer needed. The Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe, the bishop of Northwestern Pennsylvania, will report on the pilot project with the Episcopal Church Building Fund and the Episcopal Church Foundation, which helped three congregations rethink their options to solve their financial dilemmas. Speakers are church and community leaders who are confronting and negotiating these struggles in their own dioceses. The Rt. Rev. Dabney Smith (Bishop of Southwest Florida), the Rt. Rev. Tom Ely (Bishop of Vermont), the Rt. Rev. Bud Cederholm (Bishop Suffragan of Massachusetts), Mr. Steve Pierce (Diocese of Massachusetts Coordinator for Congregational Support), the Rev. Cameron Miller (Rector, Trinity Church, Buffalo, N.Y.), Ms. Leslie Schaffer (Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross Central Iowa Chapter), and the Rev. Jimmy Bartz (Rector, Thad’s Place, Santa Monica, Calif.) are some of the presenters who will share their creative and successful models. For more information go to www. ecbf.org, or contact Sally O’Brien at sobrien@ecbf.org or (804) 592-3512. shape. From there he uses two belt sanders to work the cross into its final shape. A mini router smooths out the edges, and mineral oil is applied to stain the wood. “I try to make five a day,” Anderson said. Like most artists and craftspeople, Anderson gets as much out of making the crosses as their eventual owners get from holding them. “This is my prayer time. I’m out here all by myself, I get my thoughts together in a positive way,” he said. “And that’s what I do.”

Cathedral member offering spiritual direction Emily Williams, a member of the Cathedral Church of St. Peter who is trained as a spiritual director, is offering individual spiritual direction. “Being a spiritual director is companioning a person on their spiritual journey,” Emily says. “People who seek a spiritual director are typically people who recognize that their life is a spiritual journey. It’s the director’s role to walk with them, help them focus, and keep asking where we see God in all this.” A director and directee usually meet for about an hour once a month. The relationship may last for several months or a year, and they may touch base from time to time after that. “The director is here to keep the directee’s feet on the path and to listen and be fully present to what the person says,” Williams said. “My focus is not on me nor thinking about what I’m going to say next. As a spiritual director, my focus is listening intently to the other person. In spiritual direction training we’re told, ‘You’re panning for gold.’ You have to stay very focused so you don’t miss the gold nuggets.” Williams, 68, had a long career as a behavioral specialist with the Pinellas County schools, working with elementary-school children and their parents. Last summer she completed a monthlong intensive internship program in spiritual direction at the Mercy Center in Burlingame, Calif., run by the Sisters of Mercy, longtime leaders in training for this ministry. For the last two years she has been the facilitator of the Education for Ministry program at St. Peter’s. Potential directees can schedule an initial meeting with her to learn more about the process. There is no charge for Williams’ direction. She can be reached at (727) 894-3447.

The Southern Cross March/April 2011

Bishop Dabney Smith celebrates the Eucharist during the Feb. 27 ordination service at St. Peter’s Cathedral.

Photos by Jim DeLa

Diocese celebrates ordinations, reception Bishop Dabney Smith ordained Wayne Farrell and Bryan O’Carroll as deacons and received the Rev. Mario Castro Wessin as a priest in a service Feb. 27 at St. Peter’s Cathedral in St. Petersburg. Farrell and O’Carroll will return to finish seminary studies at the University of the South – Sewanee and Nashotah House, respectively. Fr. Castro will serve for now at St. Francis Church in Tampa. More images of the service can be found at www.flickr.com/photos/jimdela/sets/

The Rev. Mario Castro Wessin is received by Bishop Smith. Wayne Farrell, left, and Bryan O’Carroll listen to Bishop Smith as they are ordained as transitional deacons.

The three lay prostrate as a gesture of humility and devotion. The Southern Cross March/April 2011

Dominican partnership alive and well

On a recent trip to the Dominican Republic, Bishop Dabney Smith attended the dioceseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual convention (shown above with bishops Julio Holguin and William Skilton) and a meeting of the board of the directors of the Dominican Development Group. At that meeting, Bishop Smith presented a check for $8,900 from the Episcopal Charities Fund and the St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Naples, Dominican Challenge Grant, part of a new outreach initiative to financially support church development projects in that country. Below, Mary Ellen Smith is greeted by children in a neighborhood where a church and school are under construction.

The Southern Cross March/April 2011

There’s time to join NetsforLife challenge Malaria is a public health problem in more than 100 countries in the world, resulting in 250 million cases of infection annually. Ninety percent of all malaria deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa due to of lack of available prevention and treatment options, as well as the prevalence of infected mosquitoes. The front line of defense is the use of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets, which provide a protective covering for the body while releasing chemicals to repel and kill the infection-carrying mosquitoes. Recent technology has dramatically improved nets by infusing the insecticide in the netting material, making the nets effective for up to five years. Through partnerships within the Anglican Communion and nongovernmental health organizations, Episcopal Relief & Development is active in 17 countries. When the program began in 2006, only four out of 10 people understood how malaria was transmitted in the communities in which NetsforLife was present. Now, nine out of every 10 people understand how the disease spreads. The goal for Southwest Florida, launched at the 2010 diocesan convention, is to raise $120,000 to buy 10,000 nets by October. One net can save three lives. As of Feb. 10, 21 parishes have contributed $24,000 toward our goal through donations to the Episcopal Charities Fund. There is still time for parishes to get involved. A bulletin insert is available online at www.episcopalswfl.org/ episcopal_charities_fund. Special recognition goes to the following churches that have donated more than $1,000: l Church of the Epiphany, Cape

Coral: $4,182

l Good Shepherd, Dunedin:

$3,122.36 l St. John’s, Tampa: $2,436 l Holy Innocents, Valrico: $1,771.15 The remaining donations came from members of the following churches, listed in alphabetical order. Church of the Ascension, Clearwater; Calvary Church, Indian Rocks Beach; Church of the Annunciation, Anna Maria Island; Good Shepherd, Punta Gorda; Holy Trinity, Clearwater; St. Andrew’s, The Southern Cross March/April 2011

Parishioners at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Bradenton presented a skit during a Sunday service in February, where a mosquito is eventually thwarted by a net purchased through the NetesforLife program, to help kick off their fundraising campaign.

Photo courtesy of St. Mary Magdalene Church

Spring Hill; St. Chad’s, Tampa; St. Dunstan’s, Largo: St. Hillary’s, Fort Myers; St. John the Divine, Ruskin; St. John’s, Clearwater; St. Margaret of Scotland, Sarasota; St. Mark’s, Tampa; St. Martin’s, Hudson; St. Mary Magdalene, Bradenton: St. Mary’s, Bonita Springs; St. Mary’s, Palmetto; St. Monica’s, Naples; and St. Peter’s Cathedral, St. Petersburg. The website, www.inspirationfund. org, has many creative suggestions for inspiring engagement in this important campaign.. Here are a few ideas to get started: l Plan worship services with malaria

awareness themes. Available resources include liturgy samples, impact stories, slideshows, FAQ sheets and bulletin inserts l Use the NetsforLife Inspiration Fund educational resources to build awareness and excitement for your parish campaign, with curriculum suggestions for kids and adults. l Challenge every person in your congregation to “Skip a lunch. Send

a net. Save a life.” Use the lunch hour to learn more about malaria and the work of NetsforLife. l Hold a golf tournament and ask local businesses/clubs to sponsor a hole on the course. Create a display in the clubhouse. l Three-on-Three Tournament: Invite basketball players from your church and community to pay $12 entry fees per person. Each team will buy three nets simply by entering. Use the facts sheets to add color commentary about malaria and remind the spectators each time the ball goes into the net...nets save lives! l Donate on your birthday, graduation or anniversary to NetsforLife and generate support on the Internet. Add links to your blog, Facebook or Twitter feeds. Please make checks payable to Diocese of Southwest Florida and note Nets/ Episcopal Charities on the memo line. Send them to the diocesan office, 7313 Merchant Court, Sarasota, FL 34240.

Sharing a remarkable journey

Community packs St. Boniface, Sarasota, to hear from the lightning rod of the Anglican Communion how can this be regarded as good news? Yet, he said, these rough places f all the trials faced by are exactly the times the first openly gay priest when God can most elected bishop in the easily reach us, when we Episcopal Church, the Rt. are in deep difficulty or Rev. Gene Robinson said it would crisis, and we realize our have been worse had he not chosen utter dependence on God. to live the life God called him to do. God does not barge in, he The bishop of the Diocese of said, but “difficult times New Hampshire was in Sarasota Jan. give us a chance for God 30, the guest of St. Boniface Episto get our attention.” copal Church on Siesta Key as part No stranger to difof the parish’s annual speaker series. ficult times, he noted that Rector Ted Copland introducing him Epiphany celebrates our at worship that Sunday morning saynoticing that God has ing, “It is an item of grace and hisshown up and continues tory that we have been able to invite to show up in our midst. him.” The bishop went on to Robinson preached and celetalk about fear, in parbrated Eucharist to a packed house at ticular as opposed to love. Declaring Sunday morning worship and, later that all of us are headed for heaven, in the day, spoke candidly at a comhe suggested we might begin to taste munity forum at the church. heaven now by practicing getting Robinson’s election in 2003 sent along with all people, especially shockwaves throughout the Anglican those with whom we disagree or Communion, splitting conservatives whom we don’t like. We are called and progressives over the issue of to love, even if we do not like, he gays’ and lesbians’ roles in church said. He encouraged members of the leadership. congregation to ask, “What would Conservative factions attempted my life be like if I weren’t fearful?” unsuccessfully to derail Robinson’s We need to get over our fear of doing election consent at the 2003 General something wonderful for Christ, he Convention in Minneapolis. His said. election is still considered a major Bishop Gene Robinson preaches Jan. 30 at St. Finally, he challenged the congregasource of friction between the Episco- Boniface Church on Siesta Key. tion not to be admirers of Jesus (he has pal Church and some provinces of the enough admirers, the bishop said) but to be disciples. worldwide Anglican Communion.

By Cate McMahon

Difficult times

Using Matthew’s gospel account of the beatitudes, Bishop Robinson asked who would want to be blessed or happy about being poor or meek or persecuted for justice’s sake —

Community forum

Robinson gave potent witness to God’s all-embracing love in a passionate address at the public forum, answering questions and offering several anecdotes that gave a sense of The Southern Cross March/April 2011

Photos by Jim DeLa

Bishop Robinson talks to a packed house during an afternoon question-and-answer session at St. Boniface in Sarasota.

his ministry as bishop. An inmate at the New Hampshire women’s prison, neither Christian nor gay, wrote to him after his election, saying maybe there was hope in God’s love for her, despite what she had done. The letter prompted Robinson to visit her in prison, describing it as just the “worst near-death experience.” The inmate has since been baptized and confirmed. He continues to visit the facility regularly, playing softball with them every summer. Inmates made a set of Advent vestments for him, noting “We, too, are a community-in-waiting.” Speaking about his controversial election in 2003, he said the electing delegates from the diocese of New Hampshire thought the tempest would subside in about three months. After all, The Southern Cross March/April 2011

those who elected him had known Robinson and his ministry among them for about 20 years. The day of his consecration, Robinson had to wear a bulletproof vest under his vestments, yet he said there are worse things than death, “like not living the life God is calling us to do.” He mentioned a note that the mother of Matthew Shepard, a gay college student murdered in Wyoming in 1998, sent him on the eve of the consecration, “I know that Matt will be smiling down on you tomorrow.” The bishop spoke of his own spiritual life, citing a toolkit that includes Psalm 27, which opens “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” He said he’s struggled over whether he’s hearing the voice of God or “the

voice of Gene” in his head. He counseled his audience with what he received from his spiritual director, “Use your prayer life to let God do what God does best, love you.” Let God love you, and it will change your life, he declared. Robinson said he had new appreciation of the image of Jesus as silent before his accusers. He said the urge to return evil to those who hate you can be very strong, and Jesus appears to use all his energy to absorb the evil and not strike back in any way. He said he had to overcome resistance in his own diocese. An older priest had rejected Robinson when he divorced and publicly acknowledged he was gay. Years later, the priest eventu(Continued on page 20)

Robinson

(Continued from page 19) ally approaching the altar for communion from Robinson when he stood in for the previous bishop at a liturgy. Robinson said when the priest stretched out his hands to take the bread, they both burst into tears. “God is showing up all the time,” Robinson told the group. The bishop said one of his favorite duties is visiting his congregations and ordinations, and visiting prison. He argued for passing on our tradition faithfully, but allowing for change, even as John quotes Jesus, “Many other things I have to teach you, but you are not ready to hear them now. The Holy Spirit will come to teach you.” “It’s a living God we worship,” Robinson added. A member of the audience asked that if Robinson loved the church, why didn’t he step down instead of contributing to its split? He answered that he prayed more about this question than any other, taking it to God every day. He said he tried to follow God as he best understood and thinks it was right, but admitted he doesn’t know for sure. Robinson referenced Acts 3, in which the lame man is outside the temple gate, begging for money from disciples Peter and John. Peter says, “Look, we have no silver or gold. What we have we give you. In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, stand up and walk.” The lame man does, then he skips, runs, leaps, and dances. Robinson told his audience, “Find yourself in the scripture. This is our story: the marginalized who can come only to the gate of the temple, no farther. It is up to us, gay and lesbian, bisexual and transgendered, to live lives with such joy that people will want to know why. Get over yourself. Get up and walk and run and leap and dance.” — Cate McMahon is the communications director for the Diocese of New Hampshire.

Anglican Taonga Magazine photo

Aucklanders lit candles at a memorial service March 1 to honor the more than 200 people killed in the Feb. 22 earthquake in New Zealand.

New Zealand pauses to remember quake victims Anglican Taonga Magazine New Zealand marked the one-week anniversary of Christchurch’s devastating earthquake with thousands gathering at churches and squares across the country on March 1. The 6.3 magnitude quake struck at 12:51 p.m. on Feb. 22, and mourners gathered at churches and town squares all around the country to mark the moment. Hundreds of people from outside the city arrived to help with the massive clean up operation. Recovery teams continue to making progress on painstaking work to remove bodies from the iconic cathedral labeled the “broken heart” of Christchurch. Police believed up to 22 bodies were trapped inside ChristChurch Cathedral and its spire. Cathedral bells tolled in city centers as the nation stopped for a two-minute silence. Some people cried, while others hugged each other for support. A short ceremony in front of the Christchurch Arts Centre began and ended with song. Bishop Victoria Matthews of the Anglican Church of New Zealand offered prayers for both the dead and the living. Search and rescue workers in quake-

torn Christchurch downed tools and joined the rest of New Zealanders standing in silence. Prime Minister John Key, who had called for the national period of silence, was among those at the Christchurch Arts Centre. The death toll from the quake is likely to be around 240, police said. The silence across the nation, including some of the country’s busiest workplaces, was a poignant sign of unity for the people of Christchurch and respect for those who lost their lives. Up to 5,000 people gathered on the lawn and forecourt of Parliament at 12:30 p.m. to join Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand and Lady Satyanand, Deputy Prime Minister Bill English, church and faith representatives, members of Parliament and overseas diplomats. For 10 minutes after the silence, the Cathedral of St. Paul near Parliament rang its bells in a half-muffled peal to acknowledge those who had lost their lives. In Auckland, the silence came during an ecumenical service at Holy Trinity Cathedral, attended by leaders of city churches, Mayor Len Brown and local MPs, and about 750 other Aucklanders. The Southern Cross March/April 2011

Churches getting creative in tough times By Pat McCaughan Episcopal News Service Episcopal churches across the country have stepped up during recent tough economic times and reached out to local communities in creative ways, establishing bartering systems, offering prescription medication and job placement services and even creating pet food banks. Paris Salido isn’t a member of Holy Nativity Church in Westchester, Calif., but she attended sessions there as the Local Economic Trading System or LETS bartering service got underway nearly a year ago. Salido, a former professional massage therapist, registered as a member of LETS. She wants to barter a chair massage for seamstress services, she said. More importantly, she likes the feeling of expanding community, of “coming together, getting to know each other and help one another and fighting for a better future where we need to be more resourceful,” she said. Holy Nativity serves as a hub for monthly LETS meetings, said its rector, the Rev. Peter Rood,. The group was inspired by barter systems elsewhere, and awareness that “there are people struggling, unemployed, underemployed,” he said. “It’s a way for members of the community to meet and exchange ideas and

Reflections

(Continued from page 4) technologically savvy in abstracting us all into numbers, who are seemingly unschooled or inattentive to the New Testament. Unintentionally or not, these politico-celebrities and elected politicians rant on angrily as they twist logic and even scripture into about not being able to “afford” society’s burdens. At the same time these politicians, some of whom have enriched themselves into power, support the plutocracy of a few. And so I, too, am angry. But my anger is not quite the same anger as the hate speech spewed back on my blog. These are not the times for shirking and hiding from hate speech. These are, more than ever, the times for standing up to the hate speakThe Southern Cross March/April 2011

skills and benefit one another in the process with a noncash system,” said Rood. LETS organizer Joanne Poyourow, who along with Rood founded Environmental Changemakers, a grassroots community dedicated to sustainable existence, said the matches don’t have to be exact. Members assign value to their services and negotiate their own barters. Services offered include pet walking, car washing, landscaping, community organizing, computer and Internet support, knitting, salsa dance, Tai Chi classes and even bread baking. LETS offers a different way of living and a way of cultivating unused value, she added. “We all know that some of those things that are absolutely necessary for a community to function don’t get acknowledged when it comes to the U.S. dollar system. These alternative systems are ways of giving value to those things.”

Prescription aid, new vision

In the less than three months since St. Andrew’s Church in Panama City, Fla., and a local county health department teamed up to offer prescription assistance, “we have given away over $80,000 worth of drugs,” said the Rev. Margaret Shepard, priest-in-charge. “We started the first of November last year and … we project that by Nov. 1 of this year we’ll have given away well ers, the vile and the ranters. It takes righteous anger to maintain a sense of who God is, how to respond and what path to continue on. I am reminded of Paul and all those apostles before me who did not shirk from getting the Word out. They utilized their steadfast righteous angers. I re-read Ephesians the other night. I understand so much more what Paul is talking about. It is time, more than ever, to stand up for Jesus. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11) Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity. (Ephesians 4:26)

over $1 million in prescriptions,” she said. The congregation provides space and volunteers for the program, which operates weekdays. Robin Estes, a Bay County Health Department prescription assistance coordinator, helps match participants with pharmaceutical companies willing to donate medicines to the needy. “A lot of our clients need heart, stroke, seizure or diabetes medications and those add up quickly,” Estes said. “I recently had a lady come in with 17 prescriptions,” Estes recalled. “We went through all of them and were able to get 14 of the 17 for her. Our clients can get $300 to $400 prescriptions for six dollars. It’s a huge savings and there’s a tremendous need.”

In California: pet food bank

Last October, pet-loving St. Stephen’s Church in Whittier in the Diocese of Los Angeles began a “Sixth Day Service,” so named from the Genesis passage detailing when God created animals. It wasn’t sharing communion with animals, but the 5 p.m. weekly Sunday service in the parish hall accommodated feathered and furry friends alike. It also sparked a sobering realization — that tough economic times for people can be even tougher for their pets. So St. Stephen’s recently started a pet food bank and hopes eventually to extend their aid to include assistance with veterinary expenses, said the Rev. Mary Trainor. She is contacting veterinarians and connecting with local food banks and even with Meals on Wheels to offer supplies of cat and dog chow to accompany regular food delivery and distribution.

Jobs network

St. Bartholomew’s Church in Poway, Calif., in the Diocese of San Diego, created InlandNet, a jobs networking and pastoral counseling service, offering hope to those who feel they’ve lost everything. InlandNet offers a broader spectrum of services than just networking for jobs and is free, supported by the congregation, said the Rev. Bill Zettinger, It includes a roster of about 800 people and has found jobs for about 200 since its 2008 inception.

Books

Going Global with God: Reconciling Mission in a World of Difference By Titus Presler $20, paperback, 194 pages, 6 x 9 Morehouse Publishing “Mission is ministry in the dimension of difference.” That deceptively simple, functional definition informs the work of scholar, author, priest and respected missiologist Titus Presler, who lately has been sharing his understanding of mission in a variety of ways and with a variety of audiences. The book explores the gifts and challenges of today’s democratization of mission initiative in the churches and offers guidance to congregations, dioceses, synods, presbyteries and annual conferences as they meet the theological and practical issues of engaging directly in global mission. Mission as ministry in the dimension of difference is a central theme developed through emphases on reconciliation and companionship in mission. The book addresses challenges posed for mission networking, missionary identity, poverty work, the churches’ internal conflicts, and short-term pilgrimage. In this stimulating new work, congregations and church leaders at every level can gain the theological and practical background to build mission relationships marked by companionship, reconciliation and mutuality. 40 Days: The Daily Office for Lent Frank Tedeschi, editor $25, paperback, 432 pages, 6 x 9 Church Publishing Many people want to “take on” a discipline for Lent rather than “give up” something. One of the disciplines that many Episcopalians — and other Christians — wistfully think about taking on is the regimen of structured daily prayer that includes the course-reading of Scripture. 40 Days: The Daily Office for Lent offers an accessible, doable, toe-in-the-water introduction to the private recitation of Morning and/or Evening Prayer. Frank Tedeschi is the executive editor at Church Publishing Inc. and the publisher’s repre-

sentative with the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music of the Episcopal Church. He is the editor of The Great 50 Days:The Daily Office from Easter to Pentecost, Ministry with the Sick, and several other CPI liturgical books. The book contains Rite II morning and evening prayer from the Book of Common Prayer; the collects, and all Bible readings for both lectionary years, from Ash Wednesday through Holy Saturday; the Psalter as prescribed and edited for each day in Lent; and an office proper for St. Joseph and the Annunciation. Always We Begin Again: The Benedictine Way of Living By John McQuistin II $10, paperback, 120 pages, 4 x 6 Church Publishing This is the revised 15th anniversary edition with a foreword by Phyllis Tickle. This book holds timeless appeal for readers who hunger for a meaningful and creatively balanced framework for life. It offers a simple blueprint, based on the Rule of St. Benedict, to order one’s time and create physical and inner space, to step back from the demands and pressures of the moment, and to step into a place of peace. While strict adherence to the Rule may be possible only in a monastic setting, its bedrock, the ordering of each day, is accessible to seekers of any creed or of no creed at all. The brief readings and meditations in this small book offer a bridge between a busy day and a moment of restorative and blessed silence. John McQuiston II is an attorney in Memphis, Tenn., and an active layman in his church. Blessed Is She: Living Lent with Mary By Tim Perry $12, paperback, 112 pages, 5.5 x 8.5 Morehouse Publishing Everyone is happy to see Mary in the crèche at Christmastime, but by the time the Magi head back East after the Feast of the Epiphany, Christians of many traditions are often ready to place Mary to the side too. But Timothy Perry presents a Mary who belongs in Lent as much as in Advent, showing what it means to die and live with the crucified and risen Jesus. Drawing primarily from the Gospel

of Luke, this lovely book of spiritual reflections reveals a Lenten Mary who teaches us about being disciples. The result is a complex, inviting, strong character — a disciple to be emulated by all Christians, especially during this holy season. With a study for each week of Lent, along with questions to ponder, this is a thought-provoking volume for private use or parish study. Tim Perry is the Associate Professor of Theology at Providence College in Otterburne, Manitoba, Canada and a Lay Reader in the Diocese of Rupert’s Land, Anglican Church of Canada. The Desert: An Anthology for Lent By John Moses $16, paperback, 176 pages 5.5 x 8.5 Morehouse Publishing The desert, with its great emptiness and silence, has long been a symbol of solitude. In our spiritual lives, we sometimes seek such isolation as a means of abandoning ourselves completely to God. At other times, solitude comes upon us uninvited and unwelcome, as we find ourselves totally alone and desolate. In facing the silence and the vast expanses of loneliness, we test our courage, deepen our faith, and hear the voice of God anew. This book explores the tradition and relevance of desert spirituality in the life and worship of the church today and offers a collection of pertinent writings by these and many other ancient and contemporary authors: Thomas à Kempis, Mother Mark Clare, Henri Nouwen, René Voillaume, Charles de Foucauld, Thomas Merton and R. S. Thomas. The readings are ideal Lenten devotionals as you answer your own call of the desert. John Moses is the Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London and the author of The Sacrifice of God and A Broad and Living Way.

The Southern Cross March/April 2011

Calendar

Special Events

Training/Workshops/Retreats

Chrism Mass: March 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 513 Nassau St. South in Venice. The annual Eucharist and distribution of chrism oils. Registration begins at 9 a.m., with the Mass beginning at 10 a.m. After lunch, there will be a presentation by Brother Geoffrey Tristram, superior of the Society of St. John the Evangelist in Cambridge, Mass. Register online only by contacting csalyers@episcopalswfl.org. For regrets, please e-mail dsmith@episcopalswfl.org

Healing Mission in Naples. March 19, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 500 Park Shore Drive in Naples, featuring the Rev. Nigel Mumford, a gifted healer and director of Christ the King Spiritual Life Center. St. John’s Order of St. Luke is sponsoring this event, which will feature healing messages and prayer, worship, and fellowship during lunch. Register by contacting the church office at (239) 261-2355.

2011 Clergy Spouse Retreat. March 18–20 at DaySpring Conference Center, 8411 25th St. East in Parrish. Weekend’s theme, “Our Body, God’s Temple.” Retreat leader Quincey Thoeni, a professional health educator, will guide participants through the best data available on nutrition, exercise, the physical effects of stress on the body and what’s most important to change, to create a healthier life. Experts in art therapy, accupuncture, massage and other wellness therapies will be available. Cost is $180 for the whole weekend, including two nights lodging and all meals; $90 for one night and three meals; or meals only for $10 each. For more information, contact Quincey Thoeni at (813) 764-0544 or quincey@tampabay.rr.com. Diocesanwide Confirmation. April 30 at 11 a.m. at St. Peter’s Cathedral, 140 4th Street in St. Petersburg. If your congregation wishes to participate, contact Martha Goodwill at the Cathedral at (727) 822-4173. To get blank certificates for the confirmands, contact Jan Nothum at (941) 556-3015, ext. 259. Pilgrimage to England. May 6–17. St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Bonita Springs is planning a trip to England to visit historic and spiritual sites, led by the Rev. Michael Rowe. Sites will include Ely and its great cathedral, Cambridge, Dover and London. Price is $2,669 per person, based on 25 participants, double occupancy. $200 deposit is due with application. For a brochure, contact Cherrill Cregar at (239) 498-1925.

Meetings Diocesan Council Meeting. Saturday, March 12, 9 a.m. to noon at DaySpring Conference Center, 8411 25th St. East in Parrish. regularly scheduled meeting. Standing Committee Meeting. March 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the diocesan office, 7313 Merchant Court, Sarasota. Regularly scheduled meeting. Commission on Ministry Meeting. March 15, 5–8 p.m., at the diocesan office, 7313 Merchant Court, Sarasota, Regularly scheduled meeting. Contact: The Rev. Dr. Ellen Sloan at rector@ saintmichaels-sanibel.org. The Southern Cross March/April 2011

ECW Day of Inspiration. March 12, at DaySpring Conference Center, 8411 25th St. East in Parrish. The board of the diocesan Episcopal Church Women invites the women of the diocese to its Day of Inspiration. Registration will begin at 8:45 a.m., and the day will end with the Eucharist at 2 p.m., which will be celebrated by Bishop Dabney Smith. Special guest and keynote speaker will be Barbara Owens, the Province IV representative to the national board of ECW. The cost for the day, including lunch, is $25. For further information please call Kathy Gosselin at (352) 293-4077. Deacons Retreat. April 2. The spring daylong deacons’ retreat with Bishop Smith. Information about the program will be announced soon. For further information, contact Canon Dennis McManis at dmcmanis@episcopalswfl.org or register by contacting Michelle Mercurio at mmercurio@episcopalswfl. org or (941) 556-0315. Cursillo leaders workshop. April 29 to May 1 at DaySpring Conference Center, 8411 25th St. East in Parrish. Participants will develop knowledge and build on their commitment to Christ, clarify the purpose and method of the Cursillo movement, help grow new leaders for Cursillo and define how to live the Cursillo method and learn how to do it effectively. To register, contact Pete Hunziker at hunzpe@gmail.com; Pat Magnant at patricia. magnant@hcahealthcare.com or Pete Soto at petesoto827@ hotmail.com. If your group or congregation is planning an upcoming event of interest to the rest of the diocese, please send the information to: The Southern Cross Calendar 7313 Merchant Court Sarasota, FL 34240 or e-mail it to jdela@ episcopalswfl.org The diocesan events calendar is also available on our website: www.episcopalswfl.org