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MOUNTAIN
ECHO
News of the Episcopal
Diocese of Vermont
Vol. LXX No. 1
and Episcopal Life
January 2005
Discuss Convocation addresses HIV/AIDS in Africa
The Windsor Report by Lee Alison Crawford How Anglican Communion responds to bishops at the 1998 Lambeth Conference
with Bishop Ely At the 21st annual Province One Convo- AIDS is key to its future to confront international debt. The critical
The Rt. Rev. Thomas Ely invites all cation, held November 19-20, 2004—and The first keynote speaker, the Rev. Dr. need for international debt relief was the
in the Diocese of Vermont to join for the last time at Mont Marie Conference Ian Douglas, Professor of Mission and one topic on which all eight regions of the
him the first week in January for a Center in Holyoke, MA—150 people from World Christianity and Director of Angli- world agreed, and US bishops returned to
discussion of The Windsor Report, the dioceses of New England gathered to can, Global and Ecumenical Studies at the work for the cancellation of $1 billion in US
issued by the Lambeth Commission hear thought-provoking and, at times, Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, bilateral debt. The Anglican Communion
on Communion October 18, 2004. challenging discussions about the spread of has worked together before, Douglas said,
Massachusetts, noted that seventeen years
He wants the diocese to serve as a HIV/AIDS in Africa. Entitled, “Combating and how it responds to AIDS will determine
ago he spoke in the very same place on
“community of wisdom” for him in HIV/AIDS in Africa: Episcopalians Serving its future.
AIDS. In this presentation, “AIDS and the
preparation for the meeting of the God’s Mission,” the convocation, through
House of Bishops, January 12-13.
Global Communion,” Douglas addressed The face of AIDS in Africa
excellent presentations, addressed what is the Anglican Communion’s response to Conference attendees next heard from
Following is the schedule. In case happening on the ground in Africa and why AIDS in the context of an extensive discus- the Very Rev. William Rankin (former
of inclement weather, please call the Episcopalians should care. sion of the recently-issued Windsor Report. President and Dean of Episcopal Divinity
Diocesan Office (800-286-3437) to
be sure the discussion will be held.
The convocation chaplain, the Rev. Douglas stated that the real questions facing School), founder, CEO and President of
Canon Benjamin Musoke-Lubega, from the the communion are those of ecclesiology Global AIDS Interfaith Alliance (GAIA),
Tuesday, January 4, 7-8:30 P.M.
Office of Anglican and Global Relations at and missiology. He sees the HIV/AIDS pan- a non-governmental organization that
St. Luke’s, St. Albans
the Episcopal Church Center, opened the demic as a call to God’s mission. partners with religious organizations in
Wednesday, January 5, 7-8:30 P.M. gathering by inviting several participants
Christ Church, Island Pond
Douglas cited two examples of the resource-poor countries for community-
to read out-loud stories of ordinary people power of the Anglican Communion when based HIV prevention and care. Rather than
Thursday, January 6, 7-8:30 P.M.
struggling against extraordinary odds cre- it comes together as the “on-going expres- give conferees a list of numbers of people
Christ Church, Montpelier *
ated by the invasion of AIDS into their sion of Christ in an unlimited variety of affected—because “Statistics are numbers
Friday, January 7, 7-8:30 P.M.
St. Michael’s, Brattleboro
families. In Africa, almost every family has global churches that share a common with the tears washed off ”—Rankin used
been touched by HIV/AIDS. On a 2002 af- mission.” The first was the response to the his presentation time to show slides of the
Saturday, January 8, 10 A.M.-Noon
ternoon in Zambia, Canon Musoke-Lubega Decade of Evangelism in Africa and how many ministries that GAIA supports. Over
Zion, Manchester
witnessed 100 people being buried, most of it gave them new life in new dioceses. The and over again, conferees saw photographs
Saturday, January 8, 3-5:00 P.M whom had died from AIDS.
St. Paul’s Cathedral, Burlington
second was the coming together of all the Continued on Page E
The Windsor Report is available
for download in PDF format through
a link on the diocesan website,
Change in tax law is good news for Good News Garage
www.dioceseofvermont.org, which by Chris Hendrickson Social Services of New England,
also has links to study resources and
Stories in the news implying that tax GNG accepts donated vehicles
other materials.
deductions for cars donated to charities and repairs many of them to give
* Since the Feast of the Epiphany will end are not true. The deduction will to low-income families to get to
falls on this date, a gathering for din-
continue. However the method of calculat- and from their jobs. As a result,
ner at 5 P.M. and a Eucharist at 6 P.M.
ing the deduction will change, and that new the majority of these car recipient
will precede the discussion. Youth
method favors Good News Garage (GNG) families, in fact 75%, are able to
from the Central Vermont Deanery
will participate in the service and
and similar programs that place the donated leave state public assistance roles
will meet separately during the cars directly into the hands of low-income within a year.
Windsor Report discussion to get families. Vermonters have been ex-
to know one another and consider Most people don’t realize that “low- traordinarily generous to their
possible future deanery youth activi- income car ownership” programs such neighbors through the Good
ties. Contact Connie Saeger-Proctor as GNG are actually a small part of the News Garage. Approximately
(clsproctor@dioceseofvermont.org; lucrative world of car donations. Other 1400 families throughout the
802-479-1246) for information. charities—the majority in fact—that resell state have directly benefited from
donated cars for cash are the ones adversely that generosity since the program
affected by the new tax law. The new law began in 1996. The Vermont pro-
targets car donors who claim large deduc- gram has spawned similar GNG
New look for the Echo tions based on the unadjusted ‘”blue book” programs in Hartford and New
Beginning with the February value for cars donated to charities, while the Haven, Connecticut, Sturbridge,
issue, addresses will be printed di- charities receive only a small portion of that Massachusetts, and Manchester,
rectly on the paper in the upper right on the car’s sale at auction. New Hampshire.
corner. The need to create space
Under the new law, donors who give cars Continued on Page G
spurred me to act on a long-contem-
plated redesign of the masthead. I that are passed on to low-income families
may still deduct the fair market value of Vermont Land Trust/
also took the opportunity to include Jordan Silverman photos
the five themes of the new Strategic their automobiles, but donors may only www.jordansilverman.com
Plan for Growth and Ministry on the deduct the sales price for cars sold by a
“footer” of the inside pages and to charity.
change the font for the body text and GNG helps needy families Above: A family stands proudly
next to their new car.
most headlines. Helping needy families move from wel-
Your comments and suggestions fare to work through the provision of an
are most welcome. automobile has been the primary goal of
The editor Good News Garage since its inception in Left: Mechanic Rick Berg works
Vermont in 1996. An affiliate of Lutheran on a donated car.
www.dioceseofvermont.org
“…thinking about children…”
The Right Reverend Thomas Clark Ely
Dear Children of God: “The Child as Consumer: A North Ameri- know the journey would not have been
I am thinking about children as I sit can Problem of Ambivalence Concern- the same without them.
down to write my column for this edition ing the Spirituality of Childhood in Late What I also know is that Jesus was on
of the Mountain Echo. I suppose that is Capitalist Consumer Culture,” “Where to something important when he talked
because Christmas is coming and it will Was God? Spiritual Question of Sexually about children and the Kingdom of God.
be our granddaughter Elisabeth’s first Abused Children,” and a Sermon entitled, It was not about being childish, but child-
Christmas, and best of all we will spend it “To Such Belong the King- like in our approach to
together! I’m also thinking about children dom.” Some heavy reading God, and I am always
because Ann and I have been deciding on perhaps, but it all sounds “The needs of grateful when a child
our year-end charitable giving, and min- interesting! reminds me of what that
istries with children figure prominently in I am also thinking so many of the is about. My intention is
so many of those gifts, both close to home about children because always to pay close atten-
and around the world in places like the the Rock Point Summer
world’s children tion, but I know that so
Holy Land, El Salvador and Africa. The Conferences Committee tear at my heart many other things can
needs of so many of the world’s children has been hard at work and do get in the way. I’ll day she found her four-year old son lying
tear at my heart and, I suspect, at yours planning for the future and and, I suspect, at try to work on that more under the Christmas tree among all the
as well. I am so thankful for all the many how we can build upon the next year. presents and looking up at the decorated
ways the people of our diocese respond strong history of our sum-
yours as well.” In the meantime, tree. When she inquired about what he
to those needs, giving personally of your mer ministry with children I’ll keep thinking about was doing, he replied, “I’m imagining
time, your presence and your money. and provide a safe, healthy, children and the wonder- what it’s like to be a present!” I might try
I am also thinking about children fun and rewarding experience of Christian ful story that many of us heard Bishop that this year.
because on my desk at the office I have a community for them in the years ahead. Margaret Payne tell at the Convention Playfully yours,
wonderful picture taken at the acolyte fes- Being with the campers and the adults banquet in November. I really can’t tell the
tival we had at the cathedral back in Octo- who are part of this important ministry in story the way she did, but it was about the +Thomas
ber. The picture is the one that appeared our diocese is a high point of my summer,
in last month’s edition of the Mountain and I guess I’m doing some early-win-
Echo, with all the acolytes and me in our ter thinking about this coming summer
vestments. There are a few other adults
in the picture, and many wonderful adult
already. I hope you are too, especially
about how the children from your family Views from the Frontier
acolytes serve in our parishes. But mostly and church can be part of this summer’s
it is children and teenagers who serve with exciting program.
by Gina Logan
me at the altar each Sunday, and I treasure Mostly, I guess I’m thinking about
those encounters and am grateful for children because I am thinking about Je- Farewell!
their ministries. I especially love watch- sus, the baby. The baby who becomes the Editor’s Note: “Views from the Frontier,” which has been a regular feature of the Moun-
ing the response (especially the eyes) of child, the teenager, and the grownup, and tain Echo for many years, will retire after this issue. My deepest gratitude to its writers,
young acolytes when I ask one of them to the journey that is part of each person’s Martha Holden, Gina Logan and, until a few years ago, Karen Sheldon.
hold my crosier or miter. Children have a life, including my own and that of my
unique way of entering into the mystery own children. It is a complex journey to I collect stars. They hang from, or in, figures; Mary, Joseph, the Baby (who
of liturgy. be sure, but along the way there are some various locations in my house—glass traditionally remained absent until after
Then, the Christmas edition of the remarkable moments. I know that many stars, wooden stars, stars in paper, tin, Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, when
Sewanee Theological Review arrived in the people have influenced my life, especially pewter, and brass; stars painted and plain, one of our children would, ceremoni-
mail and the entire edition is devoted to as a child. Two of them died earlier this large and medium and small. I began my ously, take Him out of the top drawer
the theme, “Children and the Kingdom: year and I’m not sure I ever thanked them collection over twenty years ago, when I of the buffet, unwrap his tissue-paper
Theological Reflections on Childhood.” enough for all they meant to me. Maybe, hung a small silver star above the man- swaddlings, and place Him in the carved,
Essays include: “Children and Theology,” I could never thank them enough, but I ger scene, a central part of our family’s painted manger), three shepherds, two
Christmas decorations. That first star was angels, three camels, two sheep (there was
meant to guide the Wise Men, who, in our another, but our Labrador Retriever ate
The Episcopal Diocese of Vermont family, spent Advent and the twelve days it, probably out of sheer loneliness one
The Right Reverend Thomas Clark Ely, Bishop of Christmas traveling from the living evening when the family were all away
room to the dining room, from the top from home), a cow, a donkey, and some
Diocesan Center of the bookcase to the stereo to the coffee chickens, slightly battered, that did not be-
5 Rock Point Road, Burlington, VT 05401-2735 table to the piano to Bethlehem (the top long to the original set, but migrated from
Telephone: 802-863-3431; 800-286-3437 (within Vermont); Fax: 802-860-1562 of the buffet). After one Epiphany, I put a toy farm. They were slightly out of scale,
everything away in its wrappings in the but not as much as the rubber mouse that
Web site: http://www.dioceseofvermont.org
box marked “Creche–Fragile,” but I left also lived in the stable for several years
Ministry Support Team E-mail Addresses the star in place. In time, other stars came, and could not be persuaded to leave (the
Bishop Thomas Ely: tely Canon Connie Saeger-Proctor: clsproctor and now my house has—I just counted— mouse was bigger than the camels, which
Canon Lynn Bates: lbates Financial Administrator Julie Giguere: jgiguere fourteen stars downstairs and three up (so provoked some argument among several
Canon Thad Bennett: tbennett Admin. Asst. Valerie Hennessey: vhennessey far). of my children, an argument eventually
Canon Zeke Hanzl: zhanzl Historiographer Elizabeth Allison: eallison Our Wise Men belonged to the same
Pastoral Enrichment Coordinator Susan Ohlidal: sohlidal Italian papier-mache set as the other Continued on Page C
Receptionist Jan Lawrence: jlawrence
Add to all of the above: @dioceseofvermont.org
Canon Jeanette Tweedy: standrew@kingcon.com
MOUNTAIN ECHO
Communications Minister Anne Brown: abrown@vermontel.net News of the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont
Anne Clarke Brown, Editor
Bishop Booth Conference and Retreat Center (BBCC) Contributions of news and photographs are invited and encouraged
Debi Paterson, Director
Please send such materials to the editor at
20 Rock Point Circle, Burlington, VT 05401-2735
P. O. Box 67, Plymouth, VT 05056
Telephone: 802-658-6233; Fax: 802-658-8836 Telephone: 802-672-5250; E-mail: abrown@vermontel.net
E-mail: bishopbooth@dioceseofvermont.org
Episcopal Life/Mountain Echo is published 11 times per year by the Domestic
Christian Formation Resource Center and Foreign Missionary Society, Inc. (ISSN 1050-0057). Periodical postage paid
Jennifer Ogelby, Director in New York, NY and additional mailing offices.
Telephone: 802-878-4014 or 802-899-4852 Postmaster: Send changes of address to Episcopal Life Subscription Office, P.O.
E-mail: jsogelby@stjamesvt.org Box 1337, Bellmawr, NJ 08099-1337.
Page B • January 2005 Formation Liberation u
Communication Connection Celebration Mountain Echo/Episcopal Life
www.dioceseofvermont.org
Ask Sr. Bible Person Opinion
Apology, community, and identity in the Anglican Communion
Do you have questions about the Bible?
by John P. Keenan
If so, ask Sr. Bible Person and get the answers!
The Episcopal Church—chastened but were married, however happily. It was
intact, regretful for harm caused but in- more obvious later after we moved to
Note from Sr. Bible Person: In last them might have actually been Luther-
nocent of acting to cause harm to anyone. Vermont, where the diocese had begun
month’s column, I responded to some in- an—probably the one who brought myrrh,
I am part of that church, a member since to attract talented gay and lesbian priests.
triguing questions asked by Anne Knapp which, as most of us know, is a casserole).
1976, regularized as priest in 1988, serving They did their jobs just like everyone else
from Arlington about the genealogy of Interpretation #4: Each of these women now in St. Mark’s Church in Newport, in the clergy. They were no better and no
Jesus. In comparing Matthew’s and Luke’s is an example of “higher righteousness.” A Vermont. I am a supporter of the con- worse than straight priests, for the effec-
genealogies, I pointed out that Luke’s detailed analysis of this idea can be found secration of the Right Reverend Gene tive carrying out of priestly mission has
version lists only men (“…Jacob, son of on page 353 in The Women’s Bible Com- Robinson as Bishop of New Hampshire, no particular link to sexual orientation.
Isaac, son of Abraham, son of Terah,” mentary by Carol A. Newsom and Sharon for I know how widely respected he has It was not a great surprise when Gene
etc.), but Matthew includes five women: H. Ringe. been for many years in the Province of Robinson was elected bishop in New
Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary My own theory, based on a recently New England. I support the ordination of Hampshire, at least not in Province 1, but
(see Mathew 1:1-17). I have been musing discovered personal diary of Matthew’s gay and lesbian priests, having seen many all around the world Anglicans reacted—
on this oddity and want to share a few younger sister, is that Matthew was a become rectors and vicars in our parishes strongly, critically, angrily. We all knew to
thoughts. Here they are: frustrated screenplay writer. Matthew was and valuable contributors to our councils. expect some reaction, but I at least did not
Scholars have offered a variety of in- a successful evangelist, but, as his sister I probably would not have given much anticipate how intense it would become.
terpretations as to Matthew’s motives for records in a few brief diary entries, what thought to human sexuality and its orien- Large segments of the Anglican Commu-
including five women in Jesus’ family tree. he really wanted to do was break into the tations had I not met so many gay and les- nion felt that their exercise of mission had
Interpretation #1: Some think that group of the fledgling “soap opera” au- bian colleagues. It is easier to express lofty been harmed by our action of electing and
Matthew was nervous about the “whiff of thors who were becoming popular in the ideas about the nature of sexuality when consecrating Gene Robinson. They were
scandal” surrounding the birth of Jesus, 1st century in southern Palestine. Because the real people you are referring to are not also disturbed by the adoption of a bless-
such as the idea that if Joseph was not the of this passionate desire, when Matthew sitting right across the table, listening and ing for same sex unions in the Canadian
real father, then who was? Hmmm, we’ve got around to recording Jesus’ genealogy, responding to you. Diocese of New Westminster.
got a problem here, thought some Jewish he couldn’t resist referring to some of the
I came into the Episcopal Church in We in North America felt that we had
contemporaries of Matthew. In order to best soap opera plots ever invented. If you
1976 from the Roman Catholic Church, come to a new understanding of homo-
combat this kind of gossip, did Matthew want to read some really good “potboil-
in which I had been raised. I trained sexuality, and in this we thought we were
include the five women, each of whom ers,” check out the story of Tamar and
for ten years at St. Charles Borromeo offering the wider church an example of
was involved in an “unconventional preg- Judah in Genesis 38, or that incomparable
Seminary in Overbrook, Philadelphia, and a more inclusive practice of the kingdom.
nancy”? tale of scandal, intrigue, adultery, and
was ordained to the priesthood by John But in other parts of the Anglican Com-
Interpretation #2: Because four of murder which is the story of David and
Cardinal Krol in 1966 at the Cathedral of munion, many felt that we had fractured
these women were involved in a somewhat Bathsheba. Move over General Hospital,
Sts. Peter and Paul in downtown Philadel- that kingdom and embraced practices
immoral act of sexual intercourse (Mat- we’ve got some great competition for you!
phia. When I left the Roman priesthood that made their confession of our com-
thew lets Mary off this hook by alleging I appreciated the chance to revisit this in 1969, I signed a promise not to become mon faith appear to be inauthentic and
that that she was, indeed, not involved in genealogical question and to be reminded a focus of discord by taking any promi- unacceptable in their cultures. We were
sexual intercourse before Jesus’ birth), the of how much we don’t know about the nent role in the church, by reading the becoming a stumbling block to their com-
first four women therefore are “sinners” Gospel stories. Obviously, if Matthew had scripture or teaching classes. Some might mitment to and preaching of the Chris-
who will be “saved from their sins” (Mat- thought it was important for us to know have regarded that stricture as unfair, tian gospel.
thew 1:21) by Jesus. why he included five women in his story, but—having listened to Ivan Illich talk Cultural Disconnect
Interpretation #3: Two of the wom- he would have explained it. All we can do about the priest as symbol of unity, not
now is celebrate these five women as being I do not like being a stumbling block
en—Rahab and Ruth—were Gentiles; discord—it seemed a prudent and reason-
part of the family tree from which Jesus to anyone. So I am constrained by the
therefore, Matthew is celebrating divine able promise, and I intended to keep it.
sprouted and thereby mitigate some of the objections of our fellow Anglicans to
inclusiveness, similar to the importance Yet when Linda and I began our
patriarchalism that gets imported into our step back and wonder about the different
of the “magi from the east” in Matthew’s family, I wanted a chance to participate
faith stories. perceptions that are filtered to us by our
Nativity story (as Garrison Keillor notes, more deeply in the everyday life of the respective cultures. I first became aware of
there is a very good possibility that the Send questions for Sr. Bible Person in church. My hero in those days, as now, such cultural disconnects when as a young
magi were Gentiles, and therefore one of care of the editor (address on Page B). was Michael Ramsey, then recently retired man I landed in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to
as Archbishop of Canterbury and in begin my study of the Spanish language
Views from the Frontier residence for various periods at Nashotah and Latin American culture. I would learn
Continued from Page B House near where we lived in Wisconsin. from Ivan Illich about how culturally-
And there, in our local Episcopal Church, American patterns of Christian mission
settled by parental fiat: The Mouse Stays ivory bisque one, chaste and elegant, but I I found a home, one with good theol- distorted the Puerto Rican, and indeed
in the Picture). long sometimes for the out-of-scale chick- ogy, kindly people, and orders of priests, all Latin American cultures. The lessons
We set up the creche every Advent, ens, the stable with its battered roof, the deacons, and bishops, who tried to respect for misguided missionaries that have
placing the Magi in the living room, and figures, chipped a bit, their colors rubbed and support one another. been dramatized in a number of movies
moving them a little bit farther each week, and worn. I miss the way the mouse And some of those Episcopal clergy and books were driven home to me by Il-
always closer to their destination, which peeped out from behind a camel, and the were gay. Not so obviously in my early lich—how American parish styles and cul-
they would not reach until the morning of way one shepherd always ended up lying days in 1970s Wisconsin, for most there tural forms have been imposed along with
Epiphany. Then, and only then, someone down (too much Christmas cheer?). I the gospel upon “mission lands.” North
would rearrange the shepherds and the miss the suspenseful progress of the Three American notions of law, time, family, and
livestock, and set Caspar, Balthazar, and Kings from room to room. (Everyone in Letters to the Editor (300 words
or fewer) and Opinion articles are community were simply assumed by the
Melchior down in their Oriental splendor, the family took turns moving them, so missionaries to be universal, when in fact
angling them so that each King had a clear you got up each morning of Advent and welcome and encouraged on any
those assumptions were specific to our
view of the Baby, to whom each held out Christmastide not knowing exactly where relevant topic. Did something in an
culture and not always shared by others. I
his gift. And over the entire scene hung they’d be.) However, I kept that first silver article inspire you, aggravate you,
believe—and hope—that our missionaries
a star. Often, as I passed from room to star, and now I have these others, too. And or move you in some way? Share today are more sensitive to such cultural
room, the star would swing back and forth so I will continue to collect stars. They your reactions with other readers. issues.
on its fishline tether, sending out sparks of remind me, now and throughout the year, Letters must have a name and
In a similar way, I think that our task
light, just as the original Star must have. that Love shines out from heaven on the phone number or email address
as Episcopalians at this juncture is to step
The Wise Men have gone, with the whole world, on all of us. Love’s starry so I can check details, if necessary. back and to consider the differences that
creche, to my daughter’s house, where she rays stream forth, now as then, kindling Anonymous letters will not be do indeed exist across cultural boundar-
and her husband and their three-year-old anew the light in our hopeful hearts, as printed, but names may be with- ies. Two assumptions held by our North
may now trace the passage of the Three we wait, together, for our Epiphany, our held upon request. Submissions American culture are especially important
Kings from room to room, looking for miracle. Amen. may be edited for reasons of space. in the context of the current impasse. The
the Star that shone on the first Epiphany. Gina Logan is a member of St. Mary’s, Anne Clarke Brown, Editor
I have a different Nativity set now, a small Northfield, and a postulant for Holy Orders. Continued on Page G
Mountain Echo/Episcopal Life Formation Liberation u
Communication Connection Celebration Page C • November 2005
Page C • January
www.dioceseofvermont.org
More Coming Events January BBCC retreat will explore
“Learning to Live with Life’s Losses”
Winter Meditation Concerts by Debi Paterson retirement, and with chronic illness. “Learn-
The Bishop Booth Conference Center ing to Live with Life’s Losses” will emphasize
Vermont Youth Orchestra
will sponsor and host a retreat program to moving beyond loss to engaging in life and
Sunday, January 16, 3:00 P.M.
help people find hope and reinvest in their community, help to normalize the experi-
U-32 High School, East Montpelier, Vermont lives after experiencing loss. It will begin ence of recovery and find the Good News
Sunday, January 23, 3:00 P.M. Friday evening, January 28, and conclude of the story in a scripture based program.
Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, Burlington, Vermont by 4 P.M., January 29. The fee for the retreat—$85 for a shared
The Vermont Youth Orchestra, under the direction of Troy Peters, offers an afternoon Leading the program and serving as room, or $100 for a single room if avail-
of varied musical works rooted in liturgical music that spans the globe. Included are chaplain will be the Rev. David Hamilton, able—includes the program, meals and
works by Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky, Chaminade, Daron Hagen and Mendelssohn. D.Min., Director of Pastoral Care and Su- lodging. To register, send name, address,
The concert showcases the talents of two senior students. Martha Bruce, from Willis- pervisor of Clinical Pastoral Education at telephone and email address with a non-
ton, plays a solo in Tchaikovsky’s “Meditation,” and Roxbury’s Samantha Gelfon plays Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington. refundable deposit check of $50 (payable
the flute solo in Chaminade’s “Concertino.” He has lead workshops and seminars on to Bishop Booth Conference Center)
The Vermont Youth Orchestra Association has a long history of providing quality grief for over thirty years. to the conference center, 20 Rock Point
music programs for students. The group played a concert of Vermont music at New According to Hamilton, there is a com- Circle, Burlington, VT 05401. For more
York’s Carnegie Hall in September. information, call 802-658-6233, or email
mon dynamic of loss that may be associated
Tickets for the East Montpelier concert are available at the door only. Tickets for the with death of a loved one such as a parent, bishopbooth@dioceseofvermont.org.
Burlington concert are available through the Flynn Box office (86-FLYNN); adults $10; spouse, child, friend, or pet, with transitions Debi Paterson is Director of the
seniors $8; students $5. For information call the Flynn or visit www.vyo.org. such as divorce, job, moving, empty nest, or Bishop Booth Conference Center.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Vermont Ecumenical Council and Bible Society Service
Read Scripture with all the senses
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Greater Hartford United Church of Christ
at Cathedral’s Epiphany quiet day
Hartford, Vermont by Tanya Wallace about Jesus with all our senses
Check the VECBS web site (www.vecbs.or) for details on this annual event. The Cathedral Church of alive and engaged?
St. Paul and the Christian Roger Ferlo has served
Meditation Center will of- parishes in the dioceses of
“Domestic Violence: A Christian Response” fer an Epiphany quiet day Georgia, Pittsburgh and New
Friday, January 28, 7:00 P.M. Saturday, January 15, 2005, York, and is the author of two
Evening Prayer and Potluck, 5:30 P.M. 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. , at books—Opening the Bible and
St. Mary’s Parish, South Main St., Northfield, Vermont the Cathedral Church of St. Sensing God, both published
St. Mary’s, Northfield, will sponsor the presentation and discussion with Auburn Paul, Burlington. “Seen With by Cowley Press. A gradu-
Watersong-Harter, of Step O.N.E., Newport, and the Rev. Ann Hockridge of Umbrella, Our Eyes, Touched With Our ate of Colgate University, he
St. Johnsbury. They led workshops at the fall Diocesan Ministry Fair Days. The January Hands—Reading Scripture earned a doctorate in English
evening discussion will further develop material presented at the Ministry Fairs. with all the Senses,” will be literature from Yale Univer-
The evening will begin at St. Mary’s, with Evening Prayer at 5:30 P.M., followed by a led by the Rev. Dr. Roger Ferlo, an Epis- sity and trained for the priesthood at the
potluck supper. The 7:00 P.M. presentation will be held at the Community Room at the copal priest and Director of the Center for General Theological Seminary in New York
Brown Public Library, a block up South Main Street (Route 12) from Saint Mary’s. Lifetime Theological Education at Virginia City. He serves as a trustee at Colgate, and
The public is invited. Both locales are universally accessible. For more information Theological Seminary in Alexandria. is the treasurer of the National Association
and directions, please call the Rev. Lee Alison Crawford at (802) 485-6011. Reading a book is one of our most private of Episcopal Schools.
and silent activities—but it was not always To register, please send name and contact
this way. In ancient times, and even as late information, along with a check for $20.00
2005 Absalom Jones Lecture as the sixteenth century, most people read made payable to Cathedral Church of St.
by the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry aloud, even if they were reading in solitude. Paul and earmarked “Quiet Day,” to: The
Wednesday, February 16, 7:00 P.M. One great scholar of monastic life talked Rev. Cn. Tanya Wallace, Cathedral Church
about reading as an act of the whole body, of St. Paul, 2 Cherry St., Burlington, VT
St. John’s Memorial Chapel, Episcopal Divinity School
as invigorating as physical exercise! The act 05401. Lunch is included in the fee. For
99 Brattle Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts
of reading Scripture can involve an appeal more information please contact Canon
The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, Bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina, will deliver to all the senses—not just sight, but also Wallace at 864-0471 x16 or twallace@stpauls
the annual Absalom Jones Lecture and will also serve as celebrant at the Eucharist the sound, touch, taste and even smell. Can we cathedral.org.
following morning at 8:30 A.M. These events commemorate the life and ministry of
reconnect to ancient traditions of reading, The Rev. Cn. Tanya Wallace is Canon Educator
Absalom Jones, the first African American priest in the Episcopal Church. The annual
and learn to read the New Testament stories at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Burlington.
celebration helps support the Absalom Jones Scholarship Fund for African American
students at EDS who are preparing for ordination in the Episcopal Church.
Each event will be followed by a reception in Washburn Lounge. Both are free and
open to the public, although reservations are required as seating is limited. The Chapel Send a parish team to Province One
and Washburn Lounge are universally accessible. For more information or to reserve
a space, contact Alcurtis Clark at 617-868-3450 extension 306. stewardship and evangelism conference
The annual Province One Conference couraged to send teams. The conference
on Stewardship, Evangelism and Congre- begins with registration at 11 A.M. on Friday,
2005 Safer Church Training gational Development is planned for April April 8, and concludes after the 10:45 A.M.
8-10, 2005, in Westborough, Massachusetts. Eucharist on Sunday, April 10. The deadline
January 15 St. Peter’s, Bennington
January 22 Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Rutland
Addressing the conference theme, “Walk- for registration is March 14, but previous
April 2 St. Andrew’s, St. Johnsbury ing with Jesus: Open Eyes, Eager Hearts, events have sold out before the deadline.
June 18 Bishop Booth Conference Center, Burlington Changed Lives,” will be keynote speakers, the Materials and meals are included in the
September 24 St. Paul’s, Windsor Very Rev. Ruth Lawson Kirk, the Rev. Kirk conference fee of $160 before February 15,
All sessions run from 8:45 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. Please register in advance with
Alan Kubicek, and the Rev. Taylor Albright. 2005, and $185 after February 15. Accom-
Anne Brown (802-672-5250, or abrown@vermontel.net), so we will be sure to Wiley Beveridge and Diane Davis Andrew modations are at the Wyndham Westbor-
have enough materials available. Plan to bring lunch. will serve as conference musicians. ough Hotel at $73 per night, single or dou-
The training is required for clergy, church employees, lay eucharistic ministers, A total of 27 workshops will be offered in ble. Brochures are available from the Dioc-
all who work with children and youth (except unpaid church school teachers who five workshop sessions, with opportunities esan Center (800-286-3437). For questions
teach in a public place on Sunday morning), spiritual directors, and those who to concentrate on stewardship, evangelism about registration, contact Judith Barnes,
make pastoral visits in homes, hospitals and nursing homes. or congregational development or to select 603-224-1914, or jbinnh@juno.com.
from all the areas. Congregations are en-
Page D • January 2005 Formation Liberation u
Communication Connection Celebration Mountain Echo/Episcopal Life
www.dioceseofvermont.org
Pastoral Enrichment Program Diocesan leaders review ministry
offers online courses from EDS by John Morris
After Bishop Ely was elected in November
diocese is experiencing “growing pains” as
a result of numerical growth and spiritual
[EDS] The Pastoral Enrichment Program Dr. Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook. The course’s of 2000 and consecrated in April of 2001, the growth. As the diocese grows more fully into
of the Diocese of Vermont, in collaboration primary focus is to examine race and power Standing Committee and the Bishop signed living out the ministry of all baptized, and
with the Episcopal Divinity School and the in our post-modern society and their im- a Letter of Agreement. One of the items we works more intentionally out of a model
Pastoral Excellence Project, will offer pact on our lives and well-being. agreed on was that there would be a regular of collaborative decision-making, there
two online courses this winter. “Leading These on-line courses will use Black- review of ministry of diocesan leaders. are bound to be stubbing-of-toes and
Change: Using Change Theory in the Con- board, an interactive educational software The first review was held in September bumping-into-one-another and getting-
gregation,” will run January 31–March 13, which is accessed through the internet. of 2002. The second review was held on Oc- off-on-tangents. Some examples of these
2005. The second course, “From Dialogue Blackboard is easy to use for most people tober 24, 2004. On that day, twenty people, occurrences will be documented in the
to Study Circle: An Online E-Circle Seminar who are familiar with navigating the web. including the bishop, met for three hours in facilitators’ report.
about Race and Power,” will begin in Febru- Participants will have opportunities to work Randolph. Representatives of the Diocesan During the final summing up, one par-
ary and run for eight weeks. individually and in groups on line, including Council, the Ministry Support Team, and ticipant offered the metaphor of marriage
“Leading Change,” taught by the Rev. discussions and forums. the Standing Committee participated. The for the work of the bishop with the diocesan
Dr. William M. Kondrath, views congrega- The $200 registration fee for either Rev. Geoff Robbins from Middlebury and leaders. He suggested that the leadership re-
tions as complex systems. It looks at various course will be paid through the Pastoral Kathleen West from Burlington served as view of 2002 occurred in the “honeymoon
ways of analyzing and intervening in those Enrichment Program for members of the facilitators. phase” of the marriage and now we are three
systems to make a creative difference, offer- Diocese of Vermont. The first question asked was: What is and a half years into the marriage itself.
ing some basic theories of organizational To register for “Leading Change,” send going well in the Diocese? The group listed Some of the “honeymoon glow” is gone,
change. The course also examines leader- an email to Chris Carr, Pastoral Excellence 29 things in response. The very impressive and we are now doing the hard work of
ship as a function of a system more than as Project Coordinator, at ccarr@eds.edu and list filled three pages of newsprint! The en- staying connected and living together with
simply a personal characteristic of an indi- include the following information: name, tire list will be included in the report being fidelity and mutuality. The overall sense of
vidual or individuals. Kondrath is Director e-mail address, telephone number, diocese, prepared by the facilitators. the group gathered in Randolph was that
of Theological Field Education at EDS. type of internet connection (dial-up, DSL, The next part of the discussion focused the marriage is going pretty well.
“From Dialogue to Study Circle” will of- cable/broadband, etc.) and how you heard on “bumps in the road.” A summary of this The Rev. John Morris is president of the
fer self-awareness and anti-racism training about this course. discussion would include the fact that the Standing Committee of the diocese and
to persons of faith who share a common To register for “From Dialogue to Study priest-in-charge at St. Martin’s, Fairlee.
concern for the critical issues confronting Circle,” send an e-mail to Gena Gourley,
social justice. The course will be co-taught registrar, at ggourley@eds.edu. ✣ Provincial Convocation looks at AIDS in Africa
by the Rev. Canon Ed Rodman and the Rev. Continued from Page A
of orphans, who now have to make do with- die. It costs so little to prevent AIDS, and
“Building Abrahamic Partnerships” out their parents and, in many cases, aunts
and uncles.
yet critical measures to staunch the spread
of AIDS are thwarted. [For information on
offered in Hartford A challenge and some responses how to contribute to ERD’s AIDS work,
visit their web site at www.er-d.org and go
In his powerful and prophetic sermon
Hartford Seminary announces a new The second round of the program to their “Gifts of Life” catalogue.]
at Friday evening’s Eucharist, Canon Mu-
interfaith training program, called “Build- is scheduled for January 2005 and the As William Rankin said, “AIDS is a ghastly
soke-Lubega challenged worshippers to
ing Abrahamic Partnerships,” for clergy, re- third for June 5-12, 2005. For informa- opportunity” that calls us on a pilgrimage of
leave behind their complacency, and look
ligious educators and seminarians from the tion, contact Prof. Yehezkel Landau at mission. This year’s convocation succeeded
at systemic injustices—such as social stigma
three Abrahamic faith traditions. Building ylandau@hartsem.edu, or 860-509-9538. in sensitizing people to the global crisis of
assigned to people with AIDS, unequal dis-
on its strengths as an interfaith, dialogical Information on Hartford Seminary and AIDS and offered tools to assist congrega-
tribution of economic, technological and
school of practical theology, the seminary registration information for this program tions and dioceses in becoming partners in
medical resources—and to speak out against
has designed this innovative program to be can be found at www.hartsem.edu. ✣ addressing the crisis. Attendees saw the faces
them. Over $500 given at the offering will
a resource for Jews, Christians and Muslims with the tears; it is now the church’s task in
go to the Episcopal Relief and Development
throughout North America who seek a solid
foundation in interfaith ministry.
Lent teaching resource program for HIV/AIDS in Africa. mission to bring hope and comfort to those
afflicted with HIV/AIDS.
The goals of the new program are three- will be sent to all On Saturday morning, participants
heard from people working directly with The Rev. Lee Alison Crawford is rector of
fold: educating participants about the beliefs
and practices of all three faith traditions; congregations organizations that provide education, relief St. Mary’s, Northfield.
and resources to people with HIV/AIDS.
creating a safe and supportive environment
in which clergy, religious educators, and
[ENS] New Lenten teaching resources
for use in 2005 will invite congregations to
Workshops addressed US public policy,
Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation, a
Diocesan Study
seminarians can forge mutually beneficial
relationships across communal boundaries;
build hospitality, evangelism, organizational
transformation, and advertising to welcome
diocesan Jubilee ministry, and more. Program class to
Of particular note is the work of Dr.
and helping participants acquire pastoral
skills useful in interfaith ministry.
new members to the Episcopal Church.
Titled “Groundwork” and set for mailing
Susanna Grannis, member of St. Luke’s, graduate
Chester, who has started a foundation,
The format will be eight-day intensive to all congregations in early January, the new Four participants in the Diocesan Study
CHABHA—Children Affected by HIV/
seminars in January and June. The aim for resources are centered around lesson plans Program will mark completion of the
AIDS. Working primarily in Rwanda and
both sessions will be to enroll 10 members for use in varied teaching settings. The ef- two-year course of study with a gradua-
South Africa, CHABHA has supplied sew-
of each faith tradition, for a total of 30 fort continues a proactive strategy begun by tion ceremony at Church of Our Saviour,
ing machines to start up micro-businesses,
participants. Course content will include General Convention in 2000 to strengthen Killington, January 29, at 4:00 P.M. Bishop
sponsored thousands of children in primary
historical overviews; shared text study of local congregations and to counter mem- Thomas Ely will officiate.
and secondary school, paid for taxi bicycles
primary sources and prayers; demographic bership declines experienced in recent years Donna Abramov and Joanne William-
for young household heads, and raised
and sociological data on Jews, Christians, by all mainline denominations. son of Trinity, Rutland, Gaen Murphree
funds for T-cell monitoring, among other
and Muslims in North America; obstacles The Rev. Dr. James B. Lemler, director of St. Stephen’s, Middlebury, and Connie
projects. [Visit www.chabha.org.]
to interfaith relationships; communication of mission for the Episcopal Church, said, Saeger-Proctor have spent twenty full Sat-
skills needed to create and sustain interfaith The Anglican Church, with lots and lots
“Groundwork” will be an educational of- of help from Episcopal Relief and Develop- urdays studying and praying together since
partnerships; strategies to counter negative fering that joins together reflection on January 2002, under the guidance of Anne
media portrayals; formulating joint inter- ment and other relief organizations is doing
the study and proclamation of the Lenten a Herculean effort in combating AIDS and Clarke Brown and the Rev. Lee Alison Craw-
faith projects in local communities; web Sunday Scripture cycle and learning about ford. The theme for their course of study is
links and e-mail exchanges to foster com- engaging in preventative measures. ERD
evangelism, congregational invitation, and focuses its efforts in nine sub-Saharan “Learning to be a faithful Christian in the
munication and cooperation among the mission in the present changing context.” twenty-first century.”
graduates of the program. dioceses where AIDS is attacking young
Lemler added that the “Groundwork” re- and old. One of the hardest hit popula- A second DSP group, meeting at St.
Libby Hillhouse of St. Andrew’s, St. John- sources will also provide a thematic comple- Paul’s, White River Junction, will complete
tions is children who can become serial
sbury, participated in the first round of the ment to the Episcopal Church’s new on-line its course in June. For information about a
orphans—that is, once their parents die
program. Her article about the experience visitors’ center, www.comeandgrow.org, and possible group to begin in September, con-
from AIDS, they might be taken into a
is in the July/August issue of the Mountain to the related national advertising campaign tact the Rev. John Morris, jcmvt@sover.net;
relative’s home and that relative may also
Echo, available on the diocesan website. planned for 2005. ✣ 802-333-9725. ✣
Mountain Echo/Episcopal Life Formation Liberation u
Communication Connection Celebration Page E •ENovember 2005
Page • January
www.dioceseofvermont.org
❖ deanery doings ❖
Northwest Deanery 1 Central Vermont Deanery 6
Beth Crane, Bureau Chief Marty Roberts, Bureau Chief
P.O. Box 58 P.O. Box 1165
Montgomery, VT 05470 News of Parishes and People in the Diocese of Vermont Montpelier, VT 05601
802-326-4603 802-223-5506
compiled and reported by the Mountain Echo “Deanery Bureau Chiefs”
beth@gracechurchsheldon.org robertsm@sover.net
The next Northwest Deanery meeting and a revival of the St. Stephen’s tradition two boys, Joe and Tom, are looking for- The children of ST. MARY’S, North-
will take place Tuesday, Feb. 1, at 6 P.M., of sending the Three Wise Men traveling ward to experiencing the cultural differ- field, church school held a bake sale to
hosted by Holy Trinity, Swanton. from home to home before returning to ences between Vermont and their previous raise money for CHABHA (Children Af-
ST. MATTHEW’S, Enosburg Falls, will the sanctuary at Epiphany. On Nov. 21, home in Cambridge. Zion has formed a fected By HIV/AIDS), the Vermont-based
hold a special (and splendid) potluck Bishop Ely confirmed six young people, Green Church Committee to develop an foundation created by Dr. Susana Grannis
dinner on Jan. 16, at the time of their received two adults and heard the reaffir- environmental policy and action plan. of St. Luke’s, Chester. They raised $300,
annual meeting, followed by a celebration mation of baptismal vows of a third adult. enough to purchase three taxi-bicycles for
of the Rev. Thora Chadwick’s ministry The choir of TRINITY, Rutland offered boys in Rwanda orphaned by AIDS.
Southeast Deanery 4
with them. The 16th is Thora’s last Sunday the parish and community a Service of Debra Rogler of St. Mary’s organized
[Bureau Chief Volunteer Wanted!
as interim at St. Matthew’s. The Rev. Dr. Advent Lessons and Carols on Dec. 19. an old-fashioned quilting bee to make
Contact Anne Brown at 672-5250 or
Linda Maloney will join the congregation Guest musicians joined the choir, directed a “Support the Troops Quilt.” So many
abrown@vermontel.net]
at the beginning of Lent. by James Cassarino. The Youth Group blocks came in that there is enough to put
and others visited nursing homes and ST. LUKE’S, Chester, hosted a record another quilt together in January. The first
ST. LUKE’S, St. Albans, is presenting a
other local venues for caroling Dec. 12. Saturday Night Supper—for attendance, quilt will go to Richard Santini, a Marine
class on C.S. Lewis’, The Case for Christi-
Once again on Christmas Eve, all former money collected and foods donated for serving his second tour in Iraq. Tammy
anity. Written the years of World War II, it
Trinity youth choir members were invited the Vermont Food Bank. Special guests Breckenridge, owner of Maplewood
is still applicable today. Get togethers for
to sing at the 7 P.M. service. were Congressional Hunger Fellows Judy Quilts in Northfield, generously donated
discussion will occur around Sunday Sup-
Stermer and Estera Barbarasa, who fabric for the cause.
pers at the rectory. Call the parish office, Women of Trinity were able to donate
spoke about their work at the food bank
802-524-6212, for dates and times. over $4,000 to local charities and Trinity’s
and special programs for the schools.
On Feb. 5, from 1 to 5 P.M., St. Luke’s discretionary fund this year, thanks to a Northeast Deanery 7
A Faith Alive Team, chaired by John
will have a craft show and sale, the great January fundraiser and a successful fall
DesLauriers, is working with guest coor- Janet Smith, Bureau Chief
bakers will have their wares for sale, and rummage sale. Their annual holiday party
dinators to plan a Faith Alive Weekend for P.O. Box 103, Sheffield, VT 05866
some special items will be placed in a si- was a joyous event, with a pot luck supper
growth and renewal Jan. 28-30. 802-626-5649
lent auction. Last, but not least, there will and gift exchange. They collected new toys
be a chance to sit down and have some to be donated to the Women’s Shelter for janets@kingcon.com
wine and cheese and relax. For further needy children in the community. Three Rivers Deanery 5 The members of ST. JOHN THE
information, contact Russ Walters, 868- ST. PAUL’S, Vergennes, has been Genie Rayner, Bureau Chief BAPTIST, Hardwick, expanded their
5899 or Sally Sweeney, 527-1383. blessed with the addition of the Rev. Lucy 218 Birch Knoll, Rutland, VT 05701 knowledge of the Bible at two after-ser-
At HOLY TRINITY, Swanton, Zoom Pellegrini as their new deacon. On the vice gatherings in Advent with the Rev.
802-773-1422
Zone–After School continues to be a fun fourth Sunday, St. Paul’s parishioners John Morris’s lively and informative
(and others) are invited to join Lucy and woordswoman@yahoo.com
place for campers to learn about fellow- “Sprint through the Bible.” Skillfully
ship and sharing. The monthly themes a small group from St. Stephen’s, Middle- The congregation of ST. MARTIN’S, mixing knowledge and humor, which he
help them understand how they can share bury, at Helen Porter Healthcare and Re- Fairlee, is in the final stages of the process enhanced with clever cartoons, Morris
the love of Christ through community hab at 4 P.M. for a simple Evensong with a in which they and the Rev. John Morris brought the Bible to life, inspiring his
ministry. Campers have sent letters to brief homily. St. Paul’s has begun an Adult are discerning their future relationships. listeners to rush home and start retracing
children at Our Little Roses Home for Forum between services. In January the In a thank-you letter to ST. JOHN’S, the tours he had laid out for them.
Girls in Honduras, made Thanksgiving restoration of St. Paul’s 1862 Hook pipe Randolph, for a package and the thoughts ST. MARK’S, Newport, will begin for-
cookies and decorations for Martha’s organ will begin, thanks to funds saved and prayers of parishioners, Staff Ser- mation of a Covenant Group Jan. 8, with
Kitchen, made crafts to share at home, over several years geant Karl King, a parishioner, writes a study program taught by John Keenan
and learned about fellowship with that things are “tense with a lot of things using Understanding the Old Testament
other campers. Zoom Zone will meet on going on in Falluja and elsewhere” in Iraq, by Bernhard Anderson. Members of the
Southwest Deanery 3 but that it “can be a great nation …” He
monthly basis, 3:30-6 P.M.. in the Parish Northeast Deanery and all others inter-
Hall, on Jan. 27, Feb. 17, March 24, April Sarah Smith, Bureau Chief writes, too, of the “beautiful kids who just ested are invited. The group will meet the
28, and May 26. All children ages 6-11 are 5849 Vermont Route 7A want a better life.” Given his report that second Saturday of each month at 10 A.M.
invited to join. Arlington, VT 05250 “we get attacked on a nightly basis, but
Open Door Dinners at Holy Trin- 802-375-6974 we follow our training and hope for the
ity—the first Friday of the month, 5:30-7 best,” this writer is sure that the thoughts Champlain Deanery 8
Activities throughout the deanery in
P.M. in the Parish Hall—serve the com-
and prayers of everyone in the diocese are Linda Morrell, Bureau Chief
December stressed the real meaning of
munity and involve a partnership with the added to those in Randolph. 192 Third Street, Colchester, VT 05446
Christmas through gifts and services for
Swanton Teen Center. the less fortunate in our communities. OUR SAVIOUR, Killington, hosted a 802-878-9137
very successful ecumenical Thanksgiv- lkmorr@myexcel.com
ST. JAMES’, Arlington, held its annual
ing gathering with members of Bethany
Otter Creek Deanery 2 Santa Lucia Festival Dec. 11, with the of- Betsy Yung, Bureau Chief
Mennonite Church in Bridgewater and
fering going to the Northshire Interfaith 102 Allen Rd., So. Burlington, VT 05403
Donna Abramov, Bureau Chief the Sherburne and Bridgewater United
Council’s “Faith in Action” program. 802-658-1433
P.O. Box 76, Chittenden, VT 05737 Church of Christ congregations. Also
Children from St. James’ and the Federated
802-483-6150 invited were the international workers Most parishes will hold annual meet-
Church presented a live nativity Dec. 19.
who come to live and work in and around ings this month. Your participation is en-
dabramov@excite.com ST. PETER’S, Bennington, distributed Killington during the ski season. couraged. Used cell phones, batteries and
The Women of ST. THOMAS‚ & the poinsettias decorating the church to accessories can be donated to the Chit-
In writing about the planning and
GRACE, Brandon/Forest Dale, gathered the sick and shut-in of the parish after the tenden Solid Waste District; those in good
managing of the properties of Bethel’s
on Dec. 8, to arrange cookie platters to Christmas service. A favorite tradition is condition will be given to the Battered
CHRIST CHURCH, Karen Speerstra, or-
take to individuals in the community. the annual Christmas Pageant presented Women’s Shelter, and damaged ones will
ganist and music director, quotes author
ST. STEPHEN’S, Middlebury, will on Advent IV and written by long-time be sold to Recycle North to raise funds for
David Spangler: “Newness is a spiritual
host a Newcomer’s Gourmet Festival Jan. parishioner, the late Katrina Hemenway. the shelter. There are volunteer opportu-
energy that acts within a structure or con-
15, at 6 P.M. Longtime parishioners (over The cast is made up of all who wish to nities at Fletcher Allen Health Care; call
dition to open it out, to create spacious-
two years) are asked to bring their best participate. On Jan. 6, a Feast of Lights 847-3536, option 3 for more information.
ness, and to energize and enliven it so
gourmet dish (and recipe) to share with will celebrate Epiphany with lessons and
that energy and life flow more freely and The CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ST.
newcomers and wannabe newcomers. carols and the sharing of lights.
gracefully…” This is certainly true, in the PAUL, Burlington, is holding an Advent
The Sheldon Graves Funds have granted ZION, Manchester, welcomed the work Lori Borden and Karen Bindrum Listening Campaign during Advent and
$10,000 and the general funds $10,304 for Smith Family from England to the com- have accomplished in spearheading the early January to listen to members’ stories
community outreach. Gaen Murphree munity at a Thanksgiving service and transformation of the parish house. and concerns about the community. This
reports the Worship Committee initiated dinner. The Rev. Chris Smith will serve as is a continuation of the relationship with
the season of Advent with wreath-making associate rector, and Catherine and their Continued on Page G
Page F • January 2005 Formation Liberation u
Communication Connection Celebration Mountain Echo/Episcopal Life
www.dioceseofvermont.org
Apology, community, and identity in the Anglican Communion Continued from Page C
first is that each of us is first and foremost priesthood, and lately to the episcopacy. future, but rather a mode of adjudicat- Jesus in our earliest gospel? “Repent and
an individual. The second is that sexual This seems a natural move to liberal ing and thus channeling difference and believe the gospel,” he says in Mark, and
orientation is fundamental to our identity Episcopalians—as it does to most younger lust for control. In the same manner, I there is no indication that only the guilty
as individuals. people in this country, the surveys do not think that we can export to other are to repent.
Individuals All say—for we have come to see and experi- provinces of the worldwide Anglican As an individual priest of this church,
Cultural assumptions are indeed only ence homosexual orientations simply as Communion our cultural understandings I here express regret, without making the
that—assumptions. They are not always, different from heterosexual orientations. of sexual individualism. If we insist that excuse that we certainly did not intend
or perhaps even often, actually true. So to If indeed we are created straight and gay, other cultures and churches fit into our for other people to feel injured. Our ac-
claim that we Americans regard ourselves what possible reason could one advance to mold, we reduce the church to yet another tion did break with the cultural norms
as individuals is not to make the case that exclude gay persons from any human role player in the global culture wars. How can of many other peoples and cultures
we actually are so, but merely that when or service? Or indeed, from any sacramen- we even hope to discuss our issues with within the Anglican Communion, and it
we face issues of who we are, we appeal to tal calling? Within our cultural orbit, this people whose languages do not have the constituted an innovation in our shared
the social preconceptions of our own cul- makes perfect sense. words to describe sexual orientation as a Anglican tradition.
ture. We feel that no matter what groups Many other cultures do not share our fundamental element of the identity of The next step beyond this expression
we may participate in, we are each one North American assumption that sexual- individuals? of regret is to develop an apologetic that
an individual, each one possessed of our ity is constitutive of identity. Many indeed I think perhaps the reason that the is culturally sensitive and not confron-
inherent being, prerogatives, and respon- do not share the notion that individual worldwide Anglican Communion became tational. In a word, if we are to argue
sibilities. identity is the central issue. so upset with the consecration of Gene intelligently our case in a global context,
This attitude is evident in our reaction These issues are deep and complex, and Robinson, although they had seemed we must address the cultural assump-
to the Windsor Report’s call for an expres- they have been argued for centuries. What more or less undisturbed by the Ameri- tions underlying the way in which we
sion of regret on our part. As individuals, is the difference, if there is one, between can Church’s ordaining gay and lesbian as Christians identify ourselves. Are we
we are innocent of offense, and so we being and acting? Is nature, the principle priests, is that a bishop is a representative indeed individuals, differentiated by
hesitate to apologize. In fact, we don’t be- of action, identical with essence, the being of that worldwide communion, partici- gender and sexual orientation? Or are we
lieve that we should apologize, for in our of a being? What makes a person real? Is pating in the Lambeth meetings, and synergistic members of a united body?
culture to apologize means to confess to the mystical body of the church more real potentially in other meetings or interna- Do gender and orientation not matter at
wrongdoing, to assume individual respon- than the body of each of its individuals? tional bodies representing the heart of all? …such that they simply do not figure
sibility for the deleterious results of our Or is it just a metaphor for a “voluntary the Anglican tradition. Apparently, the in issues of morality? …or such that they
actions. But I am familiar with cultures association” of individual Christians? Why ordination of gay priests may be regarded redefine issues of morality? These are
that have very different understandings is one cultural construction of sexuality as a matter of local cultural differences, some of the issues we must consider in all
about the individual and the commu- preferable to another? Who gets to say? but not the consecration of a gay bishop. honesty and with all sensitivity to the fact
nity and very different attitudes about We Episcopalians in the United States And so, aware that—however uninten- that, although we live and think within a
the meaning and importance of apology have certainly not solved these questions, tionally—we have stumbled into a realm culture that is bounded, we must address
within a community. but over the last fifty years we have, in our of cultural meanings that we had not fore- ourselves to a church that is global.
I lived for a few years in Japan, where typically democratic way, come to some seen, I would think it quite appropriate The Rev. John P. Keenan, Professor Emeritus
people apologize at every turn, not neces- consensus: With the obvious exception for us to express regret, indeed to apolo- of Religion at Middlebury College, is priest-in-
of a few dissenting parishes and dioceses, gize. Are these not the very first words of charge at St. Mark’s, Newport.
sarily because they commit offenses any
more frequently than we do, but simply we accept as priests, or at least allow other
because they know that this is an effec- dioceses of our Church to accept, gay and
lesbian people.
Good News Garage Continued from Page A
tive way of maintaining harmony within
Since Good News Garage opened its a concert of Christmas music to a large and
a group. In that hierarchical society, What to Do Now?
doors, hundreds, if not thousands of non- enthusiastic audience at St. Paul’s Cathedral
everyone knows that the leader of any I am not at all sure what course of profits have jumped on the bandwagon of December 8 to benefit Good News Garage.
group—a business, a school, a church—is action we ought to adopt now, and I am accepting car donations from the public. The concert was part of a six-event tour
expected to accept blame for any action quite happy that the decision is not left to But there’s a big difference. Most of these through New England on behalf of the
by the group that might cause harm or me. I have spent too many years in foreign programs convert all of the cars received to programs of Lutheran Social Services.
inconvenience to others. In practice, this cultures and too many nights in my study cash by selling them upon receipt. While Thank you for the great generosity you
attitude toward making apologies is a very reading foreign books, but it does seem to Good News Garage does sell some cars to have consistently shown your fellow Ver-
significant cultural difference. me as an observer that our strategy ought help fund the program, cars that run, have monters. As always, you can call 877-GIVE-
Sexual Identity to be different from what it has been. limited body damage, low on-going main- AUTO (877-448-3288) to donate a car. To
Ever since the launching of the gay Democracy is a good and treasured tenance and operating costs and pass state learn more go to www.goodnewsgarage.org.
rights movement, we in the United States part of our heritage. But, despite the inspections are given to needy families. Pass the word.
have argued and debated issues of sexual present war in Iraq, I do not think that How you can participate
orientation and identity. In the Episco- we can forcefully export democracy, for it Chris Hendrickson is President and CEO of
Good News Garage is currently experi- the Good News Garages.
pal Church we have negotiated among presupposes a history of coming to terms
encing a dip in donations. Since the new
ourselves—and we are both straight and with lust for power and with ideological
tax law does not take effect until January
gay—to ordain gays and lesbians to the divergence. It is not a plan for anybody’s
1, 2005, donations made by the end of Cully Lecture
2004 will yield maximum benefit to both Continued from Page H
the donor and GNG. After January 1, if
deanery doings Continued from Page E your donated car has enough life in it to be
presentations on liturgical posture and
gesture, as well as a viewing and discussion
passed on to a needy family, your deduction of the video, Dancing With God, from St.
VIA (Vermont Interfaith Action). On more information contact Pat Sequin 878- remains the fair market value of the car. This Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church in San
Dec.19, the high school youth group sang 3698 or Mary Carlson 899-2197. is the case with cars that can benefit from Francisco.
carols and made cookies to deliver to the Parishioners from TRINITY, Shel- the expertise of the GNG mechanics and
residents of 3 Cathedral Square. Reactions
burne, volunteered as bell ringers at still run for a year or two or three.
Kevin Casey and Russ Stratton are the Salvation Army kettles at the Price The 2004 Cully Lecture Workshops were
Donors who give a car to the Good News
leaders of the junior high youth group at Chopper. Families of low-income and well received and well attended. People en-
Garage that doesn’t make it to a needy family
ST. ANDREW’S, Colchester, and Carol at-risk children provided wish lists of joyed the opportunity to share a meal and to
may still deduct from their taxes the amount
Hood-Cross leads the senior high group. items for the Giving Tree, and gifts were reflect together on our liturgical life in some
the car is sold for if the value is greater than
The Sunday School had a successful Party- purchased for distribution. Send your of the places where we worship weekly.
$500. If less than $500 the donor sets the fair
Light Candle fundraiser. stories and remembrances of the recently market value. The Rev. Gordon Bardos, commented,
The adult education class at ST. restored Trinity bell tower from previous “We’ve long taught worship to be a multi-
Of course, all of this assumes that car
JAMES’, Essex Junction, reflected on years to Jeanne-Marie Diehl DuFort at sensory, many-layered experience. This
donations are motivated by the hefty tax
Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s The Mystery of the jdiehldufort@yahoo.com. year’s Cully Lecture brought this teaching
break. Our experience tells us that most car
Holy Night. The junior choir led the sing- Jonah and The Whale has been cast, to a new and exciting reality. Clearly, there
donors give because they care, and because
ing at the Christmas pageant on Dec. 19. and rehearsals are underway at ALL are multiple ‘right’ ways of celebrating the
donating a car really does change a life.
The singles group, The Sole Mates, will SAINTS’, South Burlington. The parish liturgy.”
Von Trapp concert benefits GNG
continue their social activities by attend- is participating in the JUMP grocery bag Mark Howe is organist and music director at
Elisabeth von Trapp, with Erich Kory
ing UVM sporting events in January; for collection. ✣ the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Burlington.
on cello and Chas Eller on keyboard, gave
Mountain Echo/Episcopal Life Formation Liberation u
Communication Connection Celebration Page G • November 2005
Page G • January
www.dioceseofvermont.org
Diocesan Calendar Winter youth ministry events planned
by Connie Saeger-Proctor for adults who minister with young people too!
January 2005
Windsor Report Discussions Youth ministry is for young people, but if you are All young people grades 6-12 and those who
4 St. Luke’s, St. Albans, 7-8:30 PM someone who ministers with young people, this is for minister with them: Please mark your calendars
5 Christ Church, Island Pond, 7-8:30 PM you too. and plan on attending a Diocesan Youth Network
6 Christ Church, Montpelier, 7-8:30 PM High School Young People and those who minis- Gathering on Saturday March 5, 2005, at St. John’s in
7 St. Michael’s, Brattleboro, 7-8:30 PM ter with them: Be on the Diocesan Youth Committee Randolph. There will be a time to meet and reconnect
8 Zion, Manchester, 10 AM–12 noon (DYC) that plans the Youth Retreat for high school with others around the diocese, learn what is happen-
8 St. Paul’s Cathedral, Burlington, 3-5 PM young people. Young people on the committee create ing in other churches, attend workshops, and plan the
4 Fresh Start, Good Shepherd, Barre, 9:30 AM-2 PM the retreat theme, develop and lead workshops and calendar for the upcoming year.
worship. They also plan a lot of cool, fun activities, Deanery 7 (in the North East Kingdom) invites
6 Ministry Developers, Christ Church, Montpelier, 1-4
like the Episco Disco, and Kool Aid snow sculptures. young people and those who minister with them to
7 Deadline, February Mountain Echo The planning meeting scheduled at Trinity, Rutland an overnight retreat on March 18-19. Watch for more
8 Diocesan Study Program, Mission Farm, Killington, 9-4 on February 5-6, 2005, is for the event at the Bishop information.
8 Christian Formation Committee, Christ Church, Booth Conference Center in Burlington on April 1-3, Just a note of recognition to those in the diocese
Montpelier, 12 Noon 2005. If you are a leader of your peers or want to be, who have joined me on the team that is planning the
9 Bishop at St. Dunstan’s, Waitsfield please plan on attending! spring Province 1 (New England) Youth Event: Ted
11 Diocesan Consultants and Interims meeting, St. John’s, High School Young People: The Dioceses of Calcagni, Katy Marshall, and Corrie Wilcox (young
Randolph, 5-8 PM Vermont and New Hampshire are co-sponsoring an persons) and Alden Franzoni (adult). The event is for
11-13 House of Bishops, Salt Lake City, Utah exciting trip to the Cathedral Church of St. John the all high school young people in New England and will
Divine for Nightwatch, on February 11-13. Partici- be held at Camp Bement in Western Massachusetts.
15 Safer Church Training, St. Peter’s, Bennington,
pants will experience the world’s largest gothic cathe- The first planning meeting was in September and a
8:45 AM-3:30 PM
dral, participate in many games and activities with second is scheduled for January 21-23, 2005. Thank
15 Diocesan Study Program, St. Paul’s, White River, 9-4 other young people from Vermont, New Hampshire you for your leadership and ministry. We look for-
16 Bishop at St. James’, Essex Junction and other places and denominations. Friday night, ward to the event April 15-17, 2005.
18 Clergy Day, St. John’s, Randolph, 10 AM-4 PM there will be a candlelight meditation. Saturday, you Information on all of these events is posted on the
20 Diocesan Ministry Support Team, Diocesan Center can choose one of four site-seeing trips around New diocesan website at <www.dioceseofvermont.org>
22 Safer Church Training, Good Shepherd Lutheran, York City. These trips include Museum of Natural or contact Connie Saeger-Proctor, Canon for Youth
Rutland, 8:45 AM-3:30 PM History, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Statue of Lib- Ministry at clsproctor@dioceseofvermont.org or 802-
erty, Rockefeller Center, Ground Zero, the Empire 479-1246. ✣
23 Bishop at St. Paul’s, White River Junction
State Building, and more. There are spaces available
24 Rock Point Summer Conferences Committee,
St. John’s, Randolph, 5:30-8 PM
29 Diocesan Study Program, Mission Farm, Killington, 9-4 New format extended reach of 2004 Cully Lecture
Graduation, 4 PM
by Marke Howe cally, with the eucharistic rite from the 2nd-century
29-30 “Learning to Live with Life’s Losses,” BBCC
The Kendig Brubaker Cully/Christian Century Didache forming the framework for each event. Thus,
30 Bishop at Church of Our Saviour, Killington after the gathering around hors d’oeuvres, people
Lectures have taken place at St. Paul’s Cathedral
since the 1980s, out of the generosity of Iris Cully took places at tables, blessed bread and shared. Then,
and The Christian Century. Until recently, lecturers during the main course, quiet conversation addressed
Diocesan Youth Calendar would normally speak in Burlington. Late in 2002, such questions as: Where have you felt God’s pres-
D For information about the activities of the
Diocesan Youth Committee, contact Keri &
the Cathedral Chapter discussed the possiblity of
shifting the pattern, making the lectures available
more broadly throughout the diocese as a series of
ence? What is your first memory of being in church,
and did you feel included or excluded?
Conversation in the context of a Power Point
Y Alden Franzoni, 802-644-8989
For information about other diocesan
youth activities, contact Connie Saeger-
workshops and inviting not one person but a team of
people focused on the same issue. Basing the work-
shops in parishes could bring the issue of context to
presentation prepared by Donald Schell followed.
He asked the participants to describe their feeling
C
response and talk about a series of photo or artistic
Proctor, Canon for Youth Ministry the fore, and leaders from different worshiping com- images of the buildings and gatherings of people.
802-479-1246 munities would allow for a conversational dynamic, The goal was to articulate differences between wor-
clsproctor@dioceseofvermont.org rather than a lecture. ship in a temple and worship in a household. Most
Planning for the 2004 events western church architecture, including in Vermont,
2005 evokes temples, which have a series of entrances into
As the musician at St. Paul’s, I felt there might be
Feb. 5-6 DYC Planning Meeting increasingly holy places of increasingly restricted ac-
an interest in liturgy and set about seeking a group of
Feb. 11-12 Night Watch, St. John the Divine, NYC cess—the tabernacle being the most restricted and
workshop leaders to come to the diocese in October,
Apr. 1-3 DYC High School Retreat holiest place. In contrast, Christian worship derives
2004. The group—Judy Dodge (parish musician, St.
Apr. 15-16 Province I Youth Event from Jewish household rites celebrated, for the most
Columba’s, Washington, DC), Clayton Morris (li-
July 26-31 Episcopal Youth Event, Berea, KY part, at the dining room table. Our worship tradition
turgical officer, The Episcopal Church), and Donald
Schell (co-rector, St. Gregory’s San Francisco)— was says household, but our buildings suggest temple.
asked to lead workshop participants in an extended Participants then moved into the worship space in
conversation about worship and its present and future a simple dance, while singing. There, the space was
The J. Warren and Lois McClure observed, appreciated and tested; for example, people
shape in the diocese and in individual parishes.
Discipleship–Discovery 2000 Fund Four parishes agreed to be hosts for the 2004 were given the opportunity to stand behind the altar
Cully Lecture workshops: Immanuel, Bellows Falls; and in the pulpit. There was singing in two or three
Funds Available for Parish Use St. James’, Arlington; Christ Church, Island Pond; and places in the space. At all times, there were questions:
As of November 1, 2004 St. Paul’s Cathedral. Each congregation provided the “How does the space feel?” “Is it welcoming?” “What
Initiative I team with a series of photographs of the church, in- are the sight-lines like?” “Does the seating encourage
The Bishop Butterfield Revolving Loan Fund $ 142,132 side and out, as well as a floor plan. They also wrote a sense of the gathered community, or does it pull us
Initiative II a description of the life of the congregation and a into a more solitary experience of church?” “If it were
statement about where the community would like to be changed, what would enhance the community’s
The Talent and Resource Network $ 16,597
to be in ten years. Finally, the parishes with evening worship?” “What would create a space more in sync
Initiative III
presentations were asked to provide a supper in three with a lively, joyful, or solemn household gathering?”
The Congregation Renewal and
Emergency Assistance Fund $ 5,552 courses, so that hors d’oeuvres could be eaten stand- The group moved back to the place where the meal
Initiative IV ing as people gathered, an entrée could be enjoyed at had been eaten for dessert, the blessing and sharing
The Diocesan Outreach Fund $ 16,147 tables and dessert could be served at the end of the of the cup, and a final celebrative dance to the round,
evening. Shalom chaverim.
Appropriate uses for each initiative, application forms and
requirements may be found in the Diocesan Handbook. For further Lecture takes to the road The longer workshop at the Cathedral on Sat-
information, please call the Diocesan Office. The three evening presentations in Bellows Falls, urday, October 9, included the Noonday Office and
Arlington, and Island Pond were structured liturgi- Continued on Page G
Page H • January 2005 Formation Liberation u
Communication Connection Celebration Mountain Echo/Episcopal Life
