The Bishop’s Institute for Ministry and Leadership was established in 2015 in the Episcopal Diocese of Florida to provide opportunities to develop lay and clergy leadership in the Diocese; to prepare candidates for ordination to the vocational diaconate and the local priesthood; to prepare candidates for licensed lay ministries and to be a focus for the continuing education for laity and clergy alike. |
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FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION
And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Matthew 17.1-3.
A sermon by Richard Rohr on the Transfiguration I have found especially helpful this year. In it he asks us to meditate on the theme of life ‘coming to a focus’. He maintains that as we grow in the spiritual life, our life will become increasingly focused. Only a few things will really matter. The upward spiral of the coronavirus infections makes us think this way too. There is a sense that we are all in this together---every continent, country, class, religion, race or age—share the same vulnerability. As Rohr summarizes it, “Suffering has an ability to pull you into oneness”.
He goes on to link this to the Gospel narrative of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17.1-9):
We see an increasing centering take place with Jesus and the disciples in the gospel text . . . Jesus is leading the disciples towards the Transfiguration experience. He is preparing them for the cross, and saying, “It’s going to come! Be ready. It’s probably the only thing that will transfigure you.”
The first response of the disciples to the Transfigured Christ is one of fear. Many of us find ourselves in a moment of confusion and fear—not just coronavirus but coronavirus and everything else thrown on top of it. As Rohr says, ‘our minds and hearts are all over the place’. And he goes on to say:
But Jesus comes, touches them, and says, “Get up and do not be afraid.” When the three disciples raise their eyes, they see nothing but one image: Jesus. Their lives have become fully focused and simplified on the one thing that is good, the one thing they desire, and the one thing that is necessary. What a moment of grace and encouragement!
I find those words helpful in entering into the narrative of our Lord’s Transfiguration: as a matter of focus on the one thing, by way of suffering and through suffering (the Cross) that will renew our spirit and steady our resolve for the good work the Lord has in store for us as his disciples.
As I write I am gazing at a small dark green ceramic tile sitting on my desk as a paperweight. It was given me as a gift from a friend brought all the way from Afghanistan. It is one of thousands of such tiles produced by a wonderful NGO called the Turquoise Mountain Trust founded in Kabul in 2006 to revive historic areas and traditional crafts. Since 2006 Turquoise Mountain has restored over 150 historic buildings, trained over 15,000 artisans, treated over 165,000 patients at their Kabul clinic, and supported and generated over $17 million in sales of traditional crafts to museums and others across the world.
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Fourteen years ago I viewed my gift as a symbol of hope for a country, her historical buildings and artisans—especially in light of the Taliban’s destruction of the 6th century AD 55 meter tall sandstone statues in the Afghan Bamiyan valley in 2001---only five years prior to the founding of the Turquoise Mountain Trust.
I glance over at my paperweight now with some anxiety and fear for the future. But I am praying this August, as I know you are, for the people of Afghanistan and their future. I am praying also for the Lord to focus my energy and attention on Him and his power to heal and transform each of us and our world, heeding the words of the Apostle Paul:
So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.
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Yours, with every blessing,
Douglas Dupree
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Collect for the Transfiguration of Christ |
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The Transfiguration by William Blake (1757-1827) |
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COLLECT FOR THE TRANSFIGURATION OF CHRIST
(August 6)
O GOD, who on the mount didst reveal to chosen witnesses thine only-begotten Son wonderfully transfigured, in raiment white and glistering; Mercifully grant that we, being delivered from the disquietude of this world, may be permitted to behold the King in his beauty, who with thee, O Father, and thee, O Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, one God, world without end. Amen.
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Camp Weed as Seen by the Dean: Summer Camp 2021 |
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Summer has ended with a very successful season at Camp Weed. We are all thankful to Samantha Marxsen the Director of Summer Camp and Youth Programs and her excellent team of camp counselors (whom we featured in the June 2021 Newsletter). Thanks also to the Executive Director of our Camp and Conference Center, Thomas Frazer and his staff.
There is a small team that performs a key role in making the Camp Weed summer camp experience the wonderful well- rounded experience that we all celebrate it for being. These are the Deans who function as either clergy or lay chaplains, pastoral guides and teachers to each session.
This summer there were four sessions (for 7-14 year olds) and one senior session (for 15-18 year olds). Seven deans served these sessions. The clergy deans were The Rev. Canon Wiley Ammons (Redeemer, Jacksonville), the Rev. Jon Baugh (St. Paul’s by the Sea, Jacksonville Beach) and the Rev. Adam Young (Chaplain, University of Florida). The lay deans, all of whom head the youth ministry in their church homes were Hannah Bardin (Church of Our Saviour, Mandarin), Liesl Gravonsky (St. John’s Cathedral, Jacksonville), Jouana Murphy (Trinity Church, St. Augustine) and Randy Winton (Holy Comforter, Tallahassee).
I hope you will enjoy reading about Camp Weed summer 2021 through some of their individual reflections.
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Hannah Bardin
(Session 1)
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Responsibilities, challenges, rewards
As the Dean, I was responsible for most of the spiritual formation programming. In the mornings, we gathered for creative prayer and worship. Each morning we learned a new way to pray, from Morning Prayer in the Book of Common Prayer, to simply writing a letter to God. After lunch, campers came to the Haybarn for afternoon programs. Together we revisited familiar Bible stories to see what new information we could learn about the character of God or the way God works in our lives.
The most rewarding part of being a Dean at Camp Weed was being allowed into the lives of the staff and campers. I got to sit with them in the joys and struggles and surprises and simply be with them.
What campers may have valued
My hope is that the campers came away from camp knowing that questions are good and healthy and holy. That scripture is like a kaleidoscope; it remains the same, but we notice something new every time we approach it. That God delights in their questions and curiosities, because that is how we grow closer to the Divine.
Something new that I took away from this experience
Camp is a place where kids can come and just be. They don’t have to be the athlete or the dancer or the student, they can just be kids. It’s a safe place for them to relax and explore their faith.
Further thoughts
Camp Weed is a really special place that deserves our support and attention. The work that happens there cannot be done anywhere else. From summer camp to Happening and New Beginnings, Camp Weed is a place where students are invited to a relationship with God that they may not have known about before. Camp Weed and the people who work and serve there deserve our support, both spiritually and financially.
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The Rev. Adam Young
(Senior Session)
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Responsibilities, challenges, rewards
I served along with two youth pastors: Randy Winton and Jouana Murphy. Randy is the Youth Pastor at Holy Comforter Tallahassee and Jouana is the Youth Pastor at Trinity Parish St. Augustine. Together we made a fantastic team!
The dean is responsible for the spiritual program for the camp during that week. We met each morning for a remixed morning prayer and worship with a Scripture devotional. And then we met each afternoon for an hour-long time of worship, teaching, and small group discussion. I believe some silly and entertaining group games were mixed in as well! We also prayed with and for campers and counselors throughout the week.
Getting to know campers and counselors alike was a real treat – to see how the Lord was at work in so many different lives throughout the camp week. The biggest challenge was being short on time and unable to personally go deeper with each one of the large number of campers.
What campers may have valued
Our theme was “Lost & Found: Stories of Grace”. We took different aspects of the heart of God from Luke 15 – seeing how in the lost sheep, lost coin, and lost sons, the amazing one-way love of God seeks out and finds us in our own lostness. That message is especially poignant in a pandemic year and a cultural moment where forgiveness is in short supply and one misstep can make you feel lost or shamed in a hurry. The Holy Spirit took some incredible promises from Scripture and really brought life-giving hope to many during our week. At the Wednesday prayer night, we had so many deeply meaningful one-on-one discussions and prayer times with teenagers who are in a great deal of pain. Many tears were shed and one student accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior. As Jesus says, “there is much rejoicing in the presence of angels at one sinner who repents.” I came away humbled and grateful for a front row seat to the grace of God. 60 campers, 20 counselors, and 3 pastors who work with young people had a spiritually enriching and impactful week at Camp Weed. For that, we give God glory.
Something new that I took away from this experience?
Summer camp is a powerful ministry. I discovered not every student was attached or directly involved in an Episcopal church at home, and in several cases, in any church whatsoever. The need for mature, humble, and faithful camp counselors is immense. Jesus says, “the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few”. I pray the Lord will raise up more counselors to answer the call to love God’s children by spending a summer at Camp Weed. It can save a young person’s life.
Further thoughts
Please pray for and support collaborative diocesan ministries like Camp Weed. Go on a personal retreat. Bring a church fellowship. Sponsor a child for camp. Come and pray on the property that the Lord will bring redemption, restoration, and revival to a world hungry to know there’s a Bigger Story, a better one.
NB Part 2 of this article with more Deans reporting is featured further down in the Newsletter.
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Meet Alina Martinez, Diocesan HR, Benefits and Payroll Administrator. Alina spoke earlier this month at Camp Weed at the annual meeting of POST and I thought her words to the gathering of church secretaries and administrators might be of interest to a wider audience in our Diocesan family as a large part of Alina’s work is working directly with individual churches in the Diocese.
I hope you enjoy this interview with Alina.
1. How long have you worked for the Diocese of Florida? What is your job title and main responsibilities?
I’ve had the pleasure of working at the Diocese of Florida for the past 3 ½ years. I manage all aspects of Human Resources, Benefits and Payroll.
2. What was your experience working for a church organization before coming to the Diocesan Office?
Over the last fifteen years I have worked with a few churches and ministries, both denominational and non-denominational, some with and some without a church school. Closer to home, my most enjoyable tenure prior to the Diocese of Florida has been at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Jacksonville. During my nine-year tenure at Good Shepherd, I managed Finance and Operations, including buildings & lay staff. I singlehandedly customized a successful short-term rentals program, as well as joined efforts with its rector and congregation on short and long-term planning, Stewardship and Capital campaigns.
3. What did you learn working in a church office that has helped you understand and develop your work for the Diocese?
Having actually worked in a church office I feel I have some knowledge of how to respond effectively to the needs of individual churches. That is, having had the church perspective and experience already, I am equipped for my current assignment at the Diocesan Office. In addition to canon law and best practice in the Episcopal Church, I have learned what works in a church setting and what doesn’t--what is practical, what is suitable, where “more” or “less” is needed. I’ve learned how important flexibility is, if one is to effectively apply or adapt business principles to the religious, non-profit setting. The church is the spiritual realm, but nonetheless an entity with real business obligations. Just as importantly, I have learned how to assess the administrative and monetary needs and goals and also to develop and implement plans to attain those goals. Lastly, but not of less importance, I’ve learned in what areas and in what ways staff needs help.
Theoretically, I could have learned everything about church management from manuals and church literature alone, giving little value to the “on job experience”. Practically though, applying this knowledge as per manuals, but without first understanding the real needs, the individual situations, the potentials and the realities of that church and its congregation, can return absolutely void. One cannot have this level of understanding and knowledge about the church if they’re not doing the church work. Furthermore, good stewardship of resources is key. And good stewardship of resources comes from understanding first-hand “the actuals” of the church vs. “the budgeted”, ideal circumstances.
4. How is your work time divided between work you do specifically for the Bishop and the Diocese and for individual clergy and individual congregations?
No day is like the other! Most days I work on different projects for the Diocesan Office. One such project was migrating the Diocesan payroll for thirty-plus churches from a manual system to a streamlined, completely electronic system. But some days I travel to individual churches or to Camp Weed; or to meet with and to explain benefits to both clergy and laity in their unique situations; or to vestries, or simply to establish an initial rapport with church leaders; or do one-on-one training with new or existing staff on various topics; or some combination of the above.
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NOTABLE WOMEN IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
Summertime in many of our churches is ‘Vacation Bible School’ time in which children learn greater chunks of the Bible mainly through hearing the stories of the Bible and enacting scenes from them and dressing up as Biblical characters. Here is a summer Bible quiz for adults---- asking you to name some of the exceptional women in the stories of the Old Testament. It doesn’t matter if you don’t get the right answer--- if you learn something new that is fun too.
Allison +
Quiz Questions
1. What percentage of named characters in the Bible are women?
a. 05-08 %
b. 10-12%
c. 13-15%
d. 30-35%
2. Which category of women are under-represented in the stories of the Old Testament?
a. Wives and mothers
b. Judges
c. Queens
d. Prophets
3. Which of the following is not among the ‘Seven Jewish Women Prophets” of the Old Testament?
a. Abigail
b. Deborah
c. Hannah
d. Rahab
4. Which powerful woman in the Old Testament saved the Hebrew people by driving a tent peg through the temple of their enemy’s commander?
a. Abigail
b. Esther
c. Jael
d. Susanna
5. Which outstanding woman from the Old Testament figures prominently in the oratorios on Biblical themes composed by George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)?
a. Athalia
b. Deborah
c. Esther
d. All of the above
6. Which of these women in the Old Testament is not mentioned by Matthew in his genealogy of Jesus?
a. Miriam
b. Ruth
c. Rahab
d. Tamar
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Cathedral Article by Owene Courtney |
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In a very challenging time for all of us, the Cathedral of our Diocese has offered leadership not only in terms of keeping the church ‘open’ as a worshipping and serving Christian community but in quite a number of initiatives. A significant initiative has involved racial healing and reconciliation. In this article, Owene Courtney shares with us some of the work the Cathedral has been doing.
St. John’s Cathedral
Truth and Reconciliation Initiative 2020 – 2021
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By Owene Courtney
Following the lead of the National Episcopal Church’s Becoming Beloved Community, the Episcopal Church’s long-term commitment to racial healing, reconciliation and justice in our personal lives, our ministries and our societies, St. John’s Cathedral launched the Truth and Reconciliation Initiative in June 2020 beginning with a Faith Forum featuring an interview with Dr. Catherine Meeks and J. Chester Johnson. Dr. Meeks is the Executive Director of the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing and Chester Johnson is a poet and writer and most recently the author of Damaged Heritage: The Elaine Race Massacre and A Story of Reconciliation. Dr. Meeks and Chester Johnson discussed Johnson’s book and his struggle to come to terms with his family’s part in the Elaine Race Massacre, and then the conversation was opened to participants. The interview was recorded and put on the Cathedral website.
The following week, the Cathedral began a series of Truth and Reconciliation conversations moderated by Khalil Osiris, a formerly incarcerated man who has done extensive work around the world in racial healing and reconciliation. Five conversations were held, with two to three participants at each one. The men and women who participated were from various walks of life around Jacksonville, multiracial and from various socioeconomic groups. Each of the sessions was recorded and posted to our website.
In August, three Sacred Ground groups started, meeting virtually for 10 sessions. The Sacred Ground program is part of Becoming Beloved Community. At this point, the Cathedral has sponsored seven groups and out of those groups have come several long-term commitments to continue the work of racial healing and reconciliation in our community and around the country. Sacred Ground groups are extremely sensitive and confidential, so they are not recorded.
Two of the Sacred Ground groups have included members from St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Jacksonville, and conversation has begun about how to bring the two congregations together in a way that will continue the work of racial healing and reconciliation. Members from St. Philip’s will be invited to the Wednesday evening offerings at the Cathedral in the fall. The Dean has begun conversations with the leadership at St. Philip’s and the youth of St. Philip’s and the Cathedral have been gathering on Wednesdays at the Cathedral since the beginning of the summer.
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SEEING GOD IN ART: The Christian Faith in 30 Images
(SPCK publishing, paperback, 144 pages, February 2020)
by Richard Harries
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Richard Harries is a well-known British author, theologian and a former Bishop of Oxford. He has written a number of fine books including The Beauty and the Horror: Searching for God in a Suffering World, 2016.
In a much smaller yet substantial book, Seeing God in Art Harries is allowed to enjoy his considerable knowledge of theology with his love of visual art by discussing the two things together. As he tells us in the introduction:
Sometimes when looking at a favorite painting I have thought to myself, ‘If I could choose only a limited number of images to convey the essence of Christian faith, that is one I would include. So I am grateful to Philip Law of SPCK, who suggested I select 30 such images for a book on that very theme.
The book has a marvelous coherence in unfolding and holding together the various major aspects of the Christian revelation and creed. I think you can see this, for example, in how each image and its brief, three-page accompanying commentary, enhances the rest.
Harries discussion of the image he chooses to illustrate the Transfiguration is beautifully complimented by two earlier images and entries: Moses and the giving of the Law in chapter 6 ‘The way of life required of God’s people’ (image: Moses before the burning bush, 6th c. mosaic) followed in chapter 7 with ‘Prophetic critic’, e.g. the Prophets (image Albert Herbert, Elijah Being Fed by a Raven, 1992).
Here is an excerpt from each of these chapters, in Harries’ own words, with the image he has chosen for each of them.
Chapter 6 ‘The way of life required of God’s people’--the Law
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This sixth-century mosaic from St. Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai depicts a pivotal moment in Moses’ life. It shows him taking his sandals off before a bush that was burning but not turning to ashes, while God spoke to him from the bush.
A voice from the burning bush tells Moses that he is to lead his people out of Egypt. He asks what he should say when the people enquire who has sent him, and he is told: ‘“I am who I am”, tell them I am has sent you to them’ (Exodus 3.14). This indicates that for our limited human minds there is an ultimate unknownness about God, before whom there can only be reverent silence.
What God does reveal, however, is the way of life he wants his people to follow. The mosaic of Moses in St. Catherine’s shows a hand coming out of the dark cloud of God, what is sometimes referred to as the cloud of unknowing, handing Moses the revealed way of life. . . . At the heart of this are the Ten Commandments, the basic rules of civilized living that are essential for any society if it is to hold together (Deuteronomy 5.6–21).
Chapter 7 ‘Prophetic critic’-- the Prophets
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In the Hebrew Bible, the first strand of divine disclosure is the law or way of life, which was to guide and shape God’s people in their life together. The second strand is the prophetic critique of the people for their failure to live up to this law, which they had agreed to obey. The figure who, more than any other, stands as a symbol of this strand is the prophet Elijah, who lived in the ninth century before Christ in the northern kingdom of Israel. We think of prophets as being fierce, rugged figures, but in this painting by Albert Herbert (1925–2008) Elijah is shown as very vulnerable, a balding, middle-aged man. The scene shows him being fed by a raven in the desert (1 Kings 17.2–16).
I like the way Albert Herbert has depicted the prophet as utterly vulnerable. The picture also shows his total dependence on God’s grace to help him go through with what he has set out to do. In the story, Elijah has nothing to eat, but God supports him by getting the ravens to feed him. A Christian looking at this painting will notice that the bread with which Elijah is being fed is the round, sacramental bread of the Eucharist, the very life of Christ that sustains and nurtures our Christian life.
Chapter 15: ‘From glory to glory’-- the Transfiguration of Christ
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It was Jesus’ custom to go to a quiet place to pray, but on this occasion, he took the three [Peter, James and John] with him, right up into the mountains. There they saw him transfigured before their eyes . . .
In this moment of transfiguration, Jesus is not alone. He appears in the icon with Moses on his left and Elijah on his right; Moses with a book in his hand representing the law for living that God gave to his people, Elijah representing the prophets’ critique of their failure to live up to God’s law. The three disciples also hear a voice saying, ‘This is my beloved Son, listen to him.’ The law and the prophets point to the fulfillment of God’s purpose in Jesus.
In the story of the transfiguration, and through this icon, we also learn that Jesus’ sonship is resplendent with glory. The disciples saw it in Jesus, but through him, it is intended for us too. In a fine passage, St. Paul wrote that we, beholding the glory of the Lord, ‘are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory’ (2 Corinthians 3.18). In the light of the good news provided by their faith, Christians discover something of that glory in themselves.
For it is the God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ’.”
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Camp Weed as Seen by the Dean: Summer Camp 2021
Part 2
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Liesl Gavronsky
(Session Four)
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Responsibilities, challenges, rewards
Firstly, thank you so much for allowing me to serve as the Dean at Summer Camp. It was such a joy and honor to do so. I served as the Dean at camp weed during the fourth session. Our whole week was absolutely amazing!
My duties as Dean started two months prior as I met my music and worship team via text, email and zoom to plan the amazing week. As Dean I planned and attended every morning prayer and the Dean’s Hour. The only challenge was I had never been the Dean and there wasn’t a theme. I did panic at first but then a lovely theme and plans came to light. I felt called to give these children the gift of Contemplative Prayer.
Theme and week’s schedule as follows…
Now Hear This!! Listening to God and each other.
How do we listen to God? We grow up in the church being told to listen to God. But we’re never really taught how to listen to God. Through the Christian mystics which brought contemplative prayer to all we are given instructions to Listen.
Mysticism is popularly known as becoming one with God or the Absolute. John, John and Paul were our first mystics, besides Jesus. We are all one but we must stop, sit and acknowledge this fact our Lord who patiently waits to hold us.
The Christian Mystics=Our Roots
Contemplative Prayer=Resting in God When we rest our hearts can hear the whispers of God’s sweet love as it moves through us.
The daily breakdown was: Monday Intro to Contemplative Prayer; Tuesday Healing Sound Prayer with the tongue drum; Wednesday Journaling writing to God; Thursday Lectio Divina-New Zealand Lord’s Prayer and Friday Visio Divina-Image of the Resurrection Window.
What campers may have valued
I feel the campers took away a new appreciation/knowledge of just simply sitting and being with God. And it is in this sitting/resting/listening/quiet prayer with Jesus, we are able to sit and listen to others which is healing for both teller and listener.
Something new that I took away from this experience
I learned that lots of kids come from all over the whole region and not just our Diocese which makes me really happy. One child attends Elevation Church and another said their therapist told them about our summer camp. Others just heard about camp outside of church. I’m so glad these children are finding us and all that summer camp has to offer. It was such a treat to see them and all the other counselors pouring their hearts out into every single camper. I give thanks for our whole Diocese, Samantha Marxsen, all the counselors and the worship team who are committed to serving others as we grow in Christ.
Further thoughts
May we never forget that we are all God’s sweet children. And together we make up the Body of Christ which is forever moving and working for and in love. May we all continue to strive to make this place a better home for our children and their children and their children’s children. Amen
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Randy Winton
(Senior Session and Session 2)
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This summer I was blessed to be at Camp Weed as a Dean for two sessions - Sr Session and Session 2.
Responsibilities, challenges, rewards
For Sr Session (high school age youth), I served with Fr Adam Young from the Chapel of the Incarnation in Gainesville at UF and Jouana Murphy - Youth Minister from Trinity Episcopal Church in St. Augustine. Our theme for the week was Lost & Found (Stories of Grace) which focused on the parables of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke.
For Session #2 (age 7-14), I served with Fr Wiley Ammons from Church of the Redeemer in Jacksonville. Our theme for the week focused on the people of God being connected together as "One Body" based on 1 Corinthians 12:15.
As Deans for the week, we planned out an early gathering time which included a version of Morning Prayer in the Youth Pavilion and an afternoon program which was usually around 3 pm. Our afternoon program consisted of a daily scripture reading, worship, and small groups to gather and share with each other. The goal for each day was to simply challenge the campers to read and process scripture so that they would then apply it to their lives. It was also important for us to be available to the campers for sit-down talks and listening time.
My favorite part of camp was just being around the campers at meals, activities, and events and seeing them take hold of the Gospel and grow deeper in their faith in Christ.
Sr Session is always special because of the great time we call Bishop's Ball, where the staff and campers come together in Varn Dining Hall for a great meal followed by music and dancing.
What campers may have valued
The joy that radiated from our campers in that space was encouraging, after being away from Camp Weed last summer due to Covid. We witnessed renewal of faith, worship and fellowship and the beauty of God's creation that we call "The Heart of the Diocese".
Further thoughts
Camp Weed will always be a holy place for me and my family. Following in the footsteps of my mother Susanne Winton, who attended Camp Weed when it was in Fleming Island and in Carabelle, I've always felt God drawing me towards Him in that unique space. My experiences as a camper, staff member, volunteer, and Dean staff have always brought me closer to our Lord and thankful for his providence and grace.
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