Consecration Issue
October 2024 | |
Bishop Julia Whitworth exits Trinity Church to the congregation's applause at the conclusion of the Oct. 19 consecration service. Photo: Matthew Cavanaugh | |
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Welcome, Bishop Julia!
Diocese of Massachusetts celebrates the ordination and consecration of its 17th bishop diocesan
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The Rt. Rev. Julia E. Whitworth was ordained and consecrated a bishop in the Diocese of Massachusetts on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Trinity Church in Boston, surrounded in celebration by an attending congregation of 1,200 and an additional 3,800-plus viewers online via livestream and from seven watch party locations hosted by churches around the diocese.
The former rector of Trinity Church in Indianapolis, Whitworth succeeds the Rt. Rev. Alan M. Gates, who served as bishop diocesan since 2014 and, in preparation for retirement, resigned his office as of Oct. 19. Whitworth is the 17th bishop diocesan of the Diocese of Massachusetts.
While women have served in suffragan and assistant bishop roles in the Diocese of Massachusetts--beginning with the late Rt. Rev. Barbara C. Harris, the Massachusetts bishop suffragan who in 1989 became the Anglican Communion's first female bishop--Whitworth is the first woman to head the diocese in the role of bishop diocesan.
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"I am so honored to be with you to celebrate Julia Whitworth and the great commitment that she makes today with you towards God's future here in Massachusetts. This diocese is such an important witness to the entire Episcopal Church, to God's wild, wonderful, hope- and justice-filled future," the Rev. Winnie Varghese, the rector of St. Luke's Church in Atlanta, said in her sermon.
The diversity of the Episcopal Church in eastern Massachusetts was evident through the many voices, languages and musicians taking part in the three-hour service.
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"Make Julia a bishop in your Church": Bishops lay hands on the bishop-elect's head during the Prayer of Consecration.
Photo: Matthew Cavanaugh
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A highlight was the sacred and solemn moment when the 30 bishops participating from around the country--including Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, in what was his last consecration service as presiding bishop--placed their hands on Whitworth's head during the prayer of consecration, a passing on of episcopal authority in what is believed to be an unbroken line from Christ's apostles.
Whitworth was seated the following day, Oct. 20, during a service of Evensong at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Boston.
"So this day you have seated me in this chair, in this place, and there are chairs all over this diocese like this where I will be privileged to sit, so that we all might be reminded together that we are called to this work together," Whitworth said in her sermon.
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PB&J Q&A:
A pre-consecration interview with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and Bishop-elect Julia Whitworth | |
On Oct. 18, as the weekend consecration celebration got underway, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and then-Bishop-elect Julia Whitworth took time for an interview, during which they shared their thoughts on the upcoming presidential election and, among other things, what a consecration is really all about, why they love The Episcopal Church and where there's unrealized potential. | |
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Everyone's voice is needed:
Healthy Congregations Task Force invites survey response
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In response to a resolution adopted by last year's Diocesan Convention, a Healthy Congregations Task Force has come together to explore what healthy congregations look like and what kind of support they need. The group is now asking everyone to weigh in: Where do we shine and where can we, in collective ministry, find new ways to lift each other up?
The group's first task is to collect some measurable data, using a "Landscape Assessment" survey through Holy Cow Consulting, with the aim of gleaning insight into the current health of the diocese, identify areas that need immediate attention and capture feedback about where people would like to put energy and resources in the future.
Since the survey's launch in late September, 515 people have completed it, with about a quarter of those responses from active clergy and the remainder from lay people who are active in congregational or diocesan ministries, according to the Rev. Lynn Campbell of the Church of the Advent in Medfield. She is co-chairing the task force with Dr. Brian Litzenberger of Trinity Church in Concord.
The task force's message to everyone in the diocesan community: Keep the responses coming.
"We really want a full picture of how things are going in the congregations, the things that are going wonderfully well and are bringing joy, and also the areas where people are feeling like they could use more support. The more information we get from a diverse group of people from throughout the diocese, the better," Campbell said in an interview.
The survey remains open online, in English and Spanish. Responses are anonymous, and all completed surveys go directly to Holy Cow Consulting.
Once the data is in, members of the diocesan community will be invited in the first part of the new year to connect with the Healthy Congregations Task Force at one of a series of gatherings and/or one-on-one meetings to discuss hopes for the future and experiences in the congregations of the diocese. The task force then will begin to draw in and make available resources that support congregational health.
"This task force is filled with people who love Jesus and are really excited about the church," Campbell said. "We want to do all we can to support living into our mission to be followers of Jesus and the building up of churches and church communities where we all can grow in the love of God and be sent out to be that love in the world. Everyone's participation is needed."
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New bishop's address, new antiracism training top Nov. 9 Diocesan Convention agenda: When they gather for the upcoming Diocesan Convention, clergy and delegates will be taking up the annual business of the diocese with a new bishop as chair and an invitation to consider together what it means to be "One Body in Christ, Members One of Another: Reconciliation and Belonging in an Age of Division"--this year's convention theme.
Diocesan Convention, the primary representative governing body of the diocese, convenes on Saturday, Nov. 9 at the Marriott Boston Quincy Hotel in Quincy.
Bishop Julia E. Whitworth will give her inaugural Diocesan Convention address during the opening service of Holy Eucharist scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.
Among the business coming before the convention is a $9.2-million proposed budget for 2025 and a resolution on "Dismantling Racism through Racial Healing," a new antiracism training program for the diocese.
The diocesan Racial Justice Commission and its Subcommittee on Forming Antiracist Episcopal Communities has developed the new program. The proposed resolution would designate it as "the preferred and primary instrument for antiracist training because of the care in crafting training specific to the context of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts." It commends use of the curriculum over the coming year as a trial period, after which a final version will be made ready "for adoption for required use for all clergy and lay leaders of the diocese and encouraged for all members of the diocese for our growth in Christ and for living out of our commitment to the Baptismal Covenant."
The convention will also recognize the 300th anniversary of the Boston Episcopal Charitable Society through a proposed resolution that encourages ongoing membership and financial support to continue the society's work.
Established in 1724 by a group of Anglicans in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, the society continues to provide grant assistance, through the clergy, to individuals in Episcopal congregations in this diocese who are facing financial hardship. The society also makes block grants annually to congregations located in areas of need.
Find full text of the resolutions in the convention Handbook (English/Español).
Anyone can register to attend the convention. Canonically resident clergy and two lay delegates elected from each congregation in union with the diocese participate, in person, as voting members, with a livestream planned for guest viewing. Visit www.diomass.org/diocesan-convention-2024 for links, materials and other details. Registration is open until Nov. 7.
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Inaugural Reparations Fund Committee named | |
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Members of the inaugural Reparations Fund Committee, confirmed by the Diocesan Council on Sept. 14, have been announced.
Constance Perry of Trinity Church in Boston and the Rev. Nathan Ives of St. Peter's-San Pedro Church in Salem will serve as committee co-chairs, with committee members:
“As we plan for the initial gatherings of the Reparations Fund Committee later this fall, we are deeply moved by the commitment of our diocese and all those who have volunteered to serve on this committee to lead us forward in this vitally important work," the co-chairs said in a joint statement by e-mail. "May God’s ceaseless call for justice and reconciliation among all of God’s people guide our hearts and minds in the work of making just and holy reparations.”
Read more here.
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New African Mission Center dedicated in Everett | |
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With three raps of his crozier, Bishop Alan Gates bids the center's doors open.
Photo: Tracy J. Sukraw
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There was much to celebrate in Everett on Oct. 12 as the bishops and bishop-elect gathered with the diocese's African Clergy Caucus, members of their families and worshiping communities, and friends from around the diocese for the dedication of the new Bishop Alan M. Gates African Anglican-Episcopal Mission Center.
The caucus proposed, and the Diocesan Council approved, that the center be named in honor of retiring bishop Alan Gates to recognize his 10 years of episcopal ministry and, in particular, his steady support of African clergy and their families and ministries in the diocese, and his efforts to more fully integrate multicultural ministries with diocesan mission.
The new African Mission Center is located in the former Grace Church in Everett, which closed last fall. Now, with new paint, lighting, flooring and landscaping--and a second phase of work coming up to remove pews and create multipurpose event space--the rejuvenated facility is being readied for a new chapter of ministry and outreach. The center has been proposed as a hub for cultural exchange, worship services, meetings and community events, open to all.
The African Clergy Caucus--whose members' countries of origin include Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Zambia and Nigeria--will manage the new center, with part-time staffing to be hired.
Highlights of the Oct. 12 dedication celebration included the blessing of a newly installed Peace Pole, bearing the message "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in many languages, and the dedication of a refurbished meditation garden. The bishops also administered the rite of Confirmation for 12 candidates from four congregations: Christ the King in Lynn, St. Thomas's in Taunton, St. Peter's in Cambridge, and the South Sudanese Community, which has been worshiping at Grace Church before its closure and is planning to return to Everett after a temporary sojourn at St. Paul's Church in Malden.
The Rev. Canon Jean Baptiste Ntagengwa, who is the chair of the African Clergy Caucus and serves on the diocesan staff as canon for immigration and multicultural ministries, said afterward that the idea for the center was first floated about five years ago, and having some 140 people come together for its official opening, at last, was "uplifting."
"To see this building coming back into life, and to have our two sitting bishops and bishop-elect there taking part in the dedication service together, it was a blessing," he said.
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Gifts welcome to support the Allston Abbey Campaign: Everyone is invited to give generously to the Allston Abbey Campaign launched in honor of retiring Bishop Alan Gates. Online gifts are gratefully received here.
Located on the campus of the former St. Luke’s and St. Margaret’s Church, Allston Abbey is a collaborative mission for learning, worship and ministry. Its collaboration with the Anglican Episcopal Community of Learning at Boston University School of Theology provides the Community of Learning with space for offices, trainings, worship and gatherings. The campaign seeks to raise funds to complete residential facilities for the students. Learn more here.
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Massachusetts Episcopalians mark Indigenous Peoples' Day | |
Special guest Janine Tinsley-Roe sounds the drum at the call to worship. | |  |
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Bishop Carol Gallagher offers a smudging ritual.
Photos: Deborah Gardner Walker
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The annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration on Oct. 14, offered with the participation of both Episcopal dioceses in Massachusetts, was hosted this year by Christ Church in Andover and welcomed as guest speaker Janine Tinsley-Roe (Shinnecock and Poospatuck Tribal Nations of Long Island), former national missioner for Native American Ministries for The Episcopal Church. The day included a special program for children, and was for all an opportunity for sacred listening, learning, worship and breaking bread together.
View more photos here.
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Right Relations Working Group facilitates return of Nipmuck documents: On Sept. 7, Kind Warrior (Ken White), Council Chair of the Chaubunagungamaug Nipmuck Band, graciously received some historic cultural documents created at the end of the 20th century by a medicine man of that band. This came about through the efforts of the Rev. Barbara Smith-Moran, a retired Episcopal priest, and archeologist Shirley Blancke of Trinity Church in Concord, two members of the Right Relations Working Group, part of the diocesan Racial Justice Commission. Read more here. Photo: Jim Moran
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Nov. 2 service to welcome Episcopal Church's 28th presiding bishop | |
Presiding-bishop elect Sean Rowe preaches at the General Convention closing Eucharist on June 28 in Louisville, Ky. He was elected by the House of Bishops on June 26 and succeeds the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry who concludes his nine-year term on Nov. 1. Photo: Randall Gornowich | |
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[Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs]: The planning committee for the investiture of Presiding Bishop-elect Sean Rowe has released resources to aid Episcopalians in hosting local watch parties for the churchwide virtual event on Nov. 2 at 11 a.m. ET.
The service will be livestreamed on the event webpage as well as The Episcopal Church’s Facebook page.
The scaled-down investiture service, simpler than those of the past, to welcome the 28th presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church is ordered around a smaller carbon footprint and increased churchwide virtual engagement. A prelude showcasing the rich mosaic of The Episcopal Church will kick off at 9:30 a.m. ET with a video “roll call” of dioceses.
The space-limited, in-person component of the service will take place at the Chapel of Christ the Lord in The Episcopal Church Center in New York City—with diverse representation from around the church.
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Investiture watch party in Boston: The Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Boston will host a livestream watch party on Nov. 2. Doors will open by 9:30 a.m. for light breakfast and tuning in to the “roll call” of dioceses, continuing with the investiture service at 11 a.m. and celebration of Holy Eucharist concurrently with those gathered in New York City. All are welcome! RSVP to cathedral@diomass.org.
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Election week gatherings for prayer and community offered in person and online | |
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As Election Day approaches, a variety of non-partisan churchwide and local opportunities are being offered to join with others for prayer and community, in person and online. Among them:
• The Cathedral Church of St. Paul and Old North Church in Boston are co-hosting a Pre-Election Vigil on Zoom on Monday, Nov. 4, at 7 p.m. All are welcome to join for a time of prayer for a safe, peaceful and just election and for our nation and Commonwealth. Register for the Zoom link here. In addition, the cathedral church will be open for prayer from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of election week.
• The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations will host Election Night Virtual Prayers on Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 8 to 10 p.m. Presiding Bishop-elect Sean Rowe will offer an opening reflection and prayer. Episcopalians from around the church will hold silence and lead participants in prayers together for peace, the nation and all people and countries. Register for the Zoom link here.
• The brothers of the Society of St. John the Evangelist invite others to join them in an Election Night Vigil, Tuesday, Nov. 5, beginning at 7 p.m., following the Holy Eucharist, in the St. John's Chapel at the SSJE monastery (980 Memorial Drive) in Cambridge. The vigil continues until the final polls close at 1 a.m. Others are welcome to join at any point in person, or online at ssje.org/livestream.
• Grace Church in New Bedford and St. Peter’s Church in Dartmouth are collaborating to invite their wider communities to join them for public prayer and times for silent prayer and reflection on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5. All are welcome. Find the schedule here.
• The Parish of the Good Shepherd in Waban, in conjunction with the parishes of the Charles River Deanery, is hosting an Election Day Choral Holy Eucharist on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. All are welcome.
Information about additional election gatherings can be e-mailed to news@diomass.org for addition to the Events calendar on the diocesan website.
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Registration is open for “Fostering a Future with Leaders of Color in The Episcopal Church in New England”: Are you a person of color, wondering about how God is calling you to move more deeply into leadership in The Episcopal Church, or considering how God might be calling you to grow your ministry, deepen your vocation and offer your gifts in the church as a lay or ordained person? Are you desiring a deeper connection with leaders of color in church? If you’re curious about the variety of spaces where lay and ordained ministry is more deeply connected within the church, plan to gather with lay and ordained leaders of color from around The Episcopal Church in New England for a day of discernment, story sharing and empowerment.
It takes place on Saturday, Dec. 14, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., at Bethany House of Prayer in Arlington. Find details and register by Nov. 15 here.
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Leadership transitions to mark: | |
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The Rev. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas, creation care advisor in the Diocese of Massachusetts since January 2021, has retired. While simultaneously serving as the missioner for creation care in the Diocese of Western Massachusetts, she was instrumental to the bishops of both dioceses as they authored their climate emergency declaration in March 2021. She worked closely in this diocese with the Creation Care Justice Network and, together with network members and project manager the Rev. Rachel Field, collaborated on the development of An Episcopal Path to Creation Justice, whose pilot phase included the participation of several Massachusetts congregations. At Bullitt-Jonas's request, donations in honor of her retirement are going to support An Episcopal Path as it expands its reach into other New England dioceses.
"We are grateful for all the ways that Margaret, through her advisor role, inspired many of us to greater awareness, prayer and action," Martha Gardner, Missioner for Networking and Formation, said. "Margaret is a valued preacher and teacher and, although she has retired, we know that she continues to promote creation justice whenever and wherever she can. Godspeed Margaret!"
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The Rev. Keith Nelson, SSJE was installed in September as the new superior of the Society of St. John the Evangelist. He has been a member of the society since 2014 and made his profession in life vows in 2019. Before his election as superior he served the community in a number of capacities, including as coordinator of SSJE’s residential internship program, novice guardian and deputy superior at the SSJE monastery in Cambridge, as well as senior brother at the society's Emery House in West Newbury.
Since the election of SSJE's prior superior, the Rev. James Koester, SSJE, in 2016, the community has embarked on a process of raising up a new generation of leaders. With over half the community between the ages of 32 and 55, Brother Keith, 42, is poised to continue the vital work of generational shift, according to SSJE's announcement of his election. Read more here.
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Bill Boyce is now serving as the investment coordinator for the Trustees of Donations, the nonprofit, Episcopal corporation that holds investments and trusts on behalf of and for the benefit of the Diocese of Massachusetts, its congregations and other affiliated organizations.
Boyce is a certified public accountant and former manager with PricewaterhouseCoopers in its private company services practice. In the Diocese of Massachusetts, he has served on Diocesan Council, as president of the Standing Committee and as a co-chair of the Nominating Committee for the recent election of the new bishop diocesan. He has been a deputy to four Episcopal Church General Conventions, is co-chair of The Episcopal Church's Evangelism Grants Committee and treasurer of the Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center. He was elected this summer to his first term on the Church Pension Fund Board of Trustees. He is a member of Grace Church in New Bedford.
"I'm honored and excited to join the important and faithful ministry of the Trustees of Donations. This investment coordinator position combines my joy of supporting the mission of our Episcopal churches and my professional background. I look forward to the good work ahead," Boyce said.
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Nov 2: Investiture of Presiding Bishop-elect Sean Rowe as 28th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church
Nov 3: Bishop Whitworth visits Old North Church in Boston
Nov 3: "The Philadelphia Eleven" Film Screening, St. Andrew's Church, New Bedford, 12:30pm
Nov 3: Choral Evensong, St. Michael's Church, Marblehead, 5:00pm
Nov 3: Celtic Vespers, St. Barnabas's Church, Falmouth, 5:00pm
Nov 4: Pre-Election Day Vigil, hosted by the Cathedral Church of St. Paul and Old North Church, Boston, via Zoom, 7:00pm
Nov 5: Election Day Prayer at Grace Church in New Bedford and St. Peter's Church in Dartmouth
Nov 5: Charles River Deanery Election Day Choral Holy Eucharist, Parish of the Good Shepherd, Waban, 7:00pm
Nov 5: Election Night Vigil, Society of St. John the Evangelist St. John's Chapel, Cambridge and livestream, 7:00pm
Nov 9: 239th Annual Diocesan Convention, Marriott Boston Quincy, Quincy
Nov 13: Province I Indigenous Peoples' Justice Network Book Discussion, via Zoom, 7:00pm
Nov 16: Hymn Festival, featuring hymn texts and tunes by Patrick Michaels, St. James's Church, Cambridge, 7:00pm
Nov 17: Bishop Whitworth visits the Church of St. Augustine and St. Martin, Boston
Nov 17: Bishop Gallagher visits Christ Church in Cambridge
Nov 17: Organ Concert “The Actor's Voice” featuring organist Peter Krasinski accompanying the silent film "The Cameraman," St. Michael's Church, Marblehead, 5:00pm
Nov 19: Installation of The Rev. Edward Thornley at Parish of St. John the Evangelist in Hingham, 6:00pm
Nov 20: Evangelism Working Group Book Discussion, via Zoom, 11:00am
Nov 24: Bishop Gallagher visits Christ Church in Needham
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Stay connected with our diocesan community: | | | | |
