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I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.
“The thing I miss about living further north this time of year is seeing the leaves change." For my part, that includes walking through the great carpets of fallen leaves once the trees are bare.
Autumn, or, the Fall, is a time of encroaching darkness, hibernation and death. The grey-brown earth and the grey-blue sky seem to visually echo the lament of the line from the familiar hymn: “change and decay in all around I see."
When Henry Francis Lytle wrote "Abide with Me," he was a dying man, and he knew it. Not surprisingly, therefore, it is a hymn about death. We often associate the hymn with Evensong, but it was not intended as an evening hymn. The words "fast falls the eventide" refer not to the ending of the natural day but to the eventide of life.
But take heart. The hymn is about death, but also about a faith and hope that faces death fearlessly and triumphantly in the light of the cross and the empty tomb: because Jesus lives, death has been overcome, and the gate of everlasting life has been thrown wide open.
In that confidence, we sing:
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless
Ills have no weight and tears no bitterness
Where is death's sting?
Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.
Just as the hymn strikes alternating notes of death and victory, in the midst of autumn, a season of death and decay, the Church turns to recollect all of her heroes and saints culminating in the bright and golden feast of All Saints’ Day November 1st, and strikes a note of triumph and victory all through the month until the start of Advent.
The contrasting notes of death and victory in Fall and in the Church Calendar put me in mind of one of G.K. Chesterton’s most delightful essays, "The Glory of Grey" in which he reminds, "Against a dark sky all flowers look like fireworks."
If there is sufficient interest, I hope to lead a pilgrimage, "In the Steps of St Paul," to Italy and Greece in March 2025. In Rome we will visit the vast network of catacombs that spread over 90 miles under the city and that consist of some 150,000 graves - all dug with simple pickaxes and shovels. Here, in the 2nd century AD, ordinary Christians and martyrs alike were buried. One contemporary travel writer, visiting the catacombs in our time, notes contrasting feelings: ". . . of dismay in this dusty maze of death. . . soon replaced by an affectionate fellow feeling for those who had lived so long before . . . and had trodden out the first paths of faith."
The inscriptions carved in numerous burial markers bear witness to a faith grounded in Christ: "Who can see without emotion the words they wrote when they closed the eyes of those they loved, the words we still use: not the hopeless pagan Vale [Farewell], but Vivas in Deo [Live in God], and In pace Christi [In the peace of Christ]."
The early Christians loved to visit the tombs of the martyrs and felt there a deep visceral energy as they touched or rubbed the tombs. Pilgrims to the tomb of St Martin (Bishop of Tours, 397, Feast Day Nov. 11th ) paid little heed to the caution given by a local doctor: "Martin will do you no good, whom the earth now rests, turning him to earth…. A dead man can give no healing to the living."
They trusted instead the words inscribed on the tomb: "Here lies Martin the bishop, of holy memory, whose soul is in the hand of God; but he is fully
here, present and made plain in miracles of every kind."
As he gave us plenty to think about in his time here, another saint remembered in November gives us more still to ponder in the words on his tomb. C.S. Lewis (d. November 22, 1963) looked to King Lear in choosing: "Men must endure their going hence."
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WHO WILL BE IN HEAVEN?
Oh Lord my God, God in Heaven above and on Earth beneath, shall I ever quite
recover from the shock of finding myself in the Heavenly City of the strong walls?
After all, Jericho and I suited each other. My family was there, and I was not
unwanted by the men of the place. But how is it that I feel at home in this City of unadulterated light?
The answer must be in the friendship of others who follow my trade, and in the Presence of One who said that harlots and publicans enter the Kingdom before priests and elders, One who has made even me welcome.
-Testimony of Rahab the harlot (from David Head’s Shout of Joy)
Joshua 2: 1-24 and Joshua 6: 25-27, Hebrews 11: 31.
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INTERVIEW WITH LAURI SOJOURNER
Interim Executive Director of Camp Weed
Lauri, tell us a little about yourself and where you are from, where you went to school, your family or whatever you would enjoy sharing.
I commute to Camp Weed from Haywood County, North Carolina, which is about 30 minutes from Asheville, where I’ve lived for the past 7 ½ years. Before that, I lived mostly in South Carolina. I live with my husband, Travis, and my youngest child, Jack (they/them). I have three other grown children and two grown stepchildren. They are spread out in North Carolina, Virginia, and Minnesota. I earned my BA in English / Professional Communications and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC and my MA in Student Affairs Administration from Ball State University in Muncie, IN. I enjoy watercolor painting, yoga, and reading.
How long have you been involved in Camp and Conference Center ministry? How were you called or found yourself drawn to this work?
I grew up going to Camp Gravatt in the Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina. I was a camp counselor in my teens and dreamed of being the camp director one day. But I honestly thought it was a crazy dream, until 2006. I attended a women’s retreat at a Lutheran camp and was reminded of how much camp meant to me. My children were young, and I wasn’t working full-time but needed to be. I decided to “go back to camp” for one summer before returning to the workforce full-time. So, I packed up the kids and spent the summer as the Assistant Camp Director and fell back in love with camp ministry.
I’ve always felt that summer camp is a place where you can be exactly who God created you to be in a way that the rest of the world doesn’t allow. I was promoted to Summer Camp Director for the 2007 summer, and it became apparent that the Executive Director position would become available. I knew that was what I was being called to do and was promoted to that role at the end of the summer. The kids and I left camp, went home to pack, and moved back to camp a week later – the day before school started for them. What a whirlwind! I worked professionally at Gravatt for over 10 years and then at Lake Logan for almost 6 years. My children were literally raised at camp.
Do you work primarily or exclusively with Episcopal Camp and Conference Centers, or have you worked for similar camps and centers associated with other denominations?
Although I’ve only been employed long-term by Episcopal camps and conference centers, I have worked with other denominations and non-faith-based camps, as well as other nonprofit organizations, through my consulting and coaching business. And I’ve been to retreats at a range of Christian camps and conference centers as well. I love ecumenical work. I served on the Board for the Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers organization for six years and worked with the Outdoor Ministries Connection, which is a network of the mainline Protestant camps and conference centers. I’m also a faculty member for Compass Points, which certifies camp and conference professionals in the Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Methodist, UCC, and UCC-Canada churches through the Columbia Theological Seminary. Through those organizations, I’ve been able to visit close to 50 different camps and conference centers.
What distinguishes an Interim Director and a Director of a Camp and Conference Center—in addition to the length of time of the commitment?
An Interim Executive Director is meant to stabilize the organization, assess and identify areas for improvement, and prepare for a good transition to a new settled Executive Director. (I used the word settled rather than permanent, because no one at an organization is permanent!) It is my job to bring a fresh, unbiased view that can help identify and solve existing problems that may have gone unnoticed. As an interim, I really enjoy setting up organizational systems that help people work more effectively. And it’s also my job to reassure the staff and stakeholders during the transition. The Executive Director should be focused on building strong relationships inside and outside the organization, working with the Diocese to set and reach long-term strategic goals, and expanding or innovating programs. They will become a central figure to the camp’s identity, while an interim is more behind the scenes.
If you were telling a friend or colleague from outside the Diocese of Florida about Camp Weed and Cerveny Conference Center, how would you describe it, e.g. uniqueness, features of attraction, challenges?
There is so much that is special about Camp Weed – the incredible beauty and the acreage of the property, the capacity for overnight and day guests, the 100-year history of summer camp, the dedication of the Diocese to the ministry. I think the space has been well thought-out, and of course Mandi’s Chapel is the crown jewel of the property. I still remember my first time in Mandi’s 14 years ago. It’s inspiring.
Something really unique about Camp Weed is that it’s been in seven locations, and yet the spirit is the same. This fact underscores the truth that although this place is beautiful, the magic of Camp Weed is in how God moves through the people, not in a specific piece of property.
Are any challenges Camp Weed and Cerveny Conference Center might face unique or peculiar to us or are they of a type that other Episcopal camp and conference centers also face?
In general, most camps and conference centers face the same challenges – aging facilities with deferred maintenance, rising prices, meeting guest expectations in a changing world, never enough money, upheavals in the Church, remote locations, staff recruitment and retention, technology, and on and on. The two things that have been unique for me at Camp Weed and Cerveny Conference Center: hurricanes and lake lettuce! And in line with the hurricane factor, insurance is way more expensive here than anywhere else I’ve worked. I actually thought there was a typo in the insurance line when I first saw the budget.
As someone who knows well the camps and conference centers across the Episcopal Church, what is your advice to us - steering or guiding us - as we are entering ‘the next 100 years’ of Camp Weed and Cerveny Conference Center?
Camps and conference centers are unique in that they are both a business and a ministry and finding that balance is crucial. I believe Camp Weed and Cerveny Conference Center can be financially sustainable. But it will never be 100% self-sufficient. That’s not the mission. If we’re going to make the experience of God’s love in community at Camp Weed available to as many people as possible, the Diocese, the churches, and the individuals who love this place have to support it financially.
How important is the relationship between a camp and conference center and the local community in which it is situated?
I think the relationship between the camp and conference center and the local community is incredibly important. Camps may have been built with the idea that they are to serve the Diocese, but that’s not financially viable. More importantly, as an outpost of the Episcopal Church, we should exist for the people who are outside the walls of the church. Jesus calls us to make the circle wider, and camp and conference ministry is ideally situated to do that.
Is there anything else you think those reading this article would be interested in knowing about our camp and conference center or about what you have learned in your work?
I’m guessing most people will have stopped reading by now. :)
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VETERAN'S DAY REFLECTION
By Owene Courtney,
St. John's Cathedral, Jacksonville
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As a child from a Navy family, I am very sensitive to the day we remember veterans because we too are veterans of split and sometimes broken families. We remember those who have given their lives and served their country in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping missions, and we also acknowledge the support of their families.
My husband and I both come from families that have been deeply affected by the loss and absence of men and women who served in the military. When we are in a group where those in the military are asked to stand, I often wish that we who were in families with those people were recognized as well.
My husband's uncle Lt. Marcus Vincent Courtney enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1941. He was a student at Duke University, conductor of the student band called the Duke Ambassadors and an all-around great guy, big man on campus. On D-Day he and his crew set off at 2 am, and because of the different formation for this important invasion, an errant plane tipped their tail assembly, and they crashed near the coast in Norfolk, England. All on board were killed. We remember Uncle Vince every year on this day.
We also remember Aunt Ivey, Uncle Vince's sister who served as an officer in the Women's Army Corps and came home from her duties to the news of her brother's death. Her husband was also in the Army Air Corps, as was her brother-in-law, and they all survived the war.
Finally, we also remember those families whose loved ones served in the Armed Forces, leaving spouses and children at home which often resulted in the great struggle we know that comes from a single parent family. Those serving in the Armed Forces can be gone for anywhere from nine months to a year, leaving a large gap in the family which often results in great estrangement between the missing parent and the rest of the family.
On this day, please remember all those who have given their lives, given up their parents and suffered in many ways as a result of wars, conflicts and peacekeeping missions. If you know any of those family members, give them a call today and say thank you!
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William Courtney cleaning his Uncle Vince’s tombstone in Cambridge (UK) and putting sand from the Normandy beaches into the engraving, so it shows up well. That is the custom. | |
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REFLECTION
By Philip Beyer,
St John’s Episcopal Church, Tallahassee
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Marked as Christ’s Own
It seems to occur most in grocery stores between the spice racks and cake mixes. I call it the nurture food aisle. On this occasion, an elderly woman (let’s call her Betty) approached my wife, Jeanie, “You look so familiar, do we know each other?” Jeanie smiles, “I’m not sure, how about from the gym?" “No, I’m a couch potato,” replies Betty as she tosses a Duncan Hines chocolate fudge brownie mix into her cart. Jeanie asks, “Then how about church?” Betty takes a deep breath, her eyes tearing up, “I haven’t been to church since Henry died. God didn’t answer my prayers!” Jeanie’s eyes meet mine as she hands me our grocery list, my familiar cue to slowly, slowly, finish our shopping. As I wheel toward the milk and eggs, Jeanie enfolds Betty’s hands in hers.
I poke fun at Jeanie about having the letter “L” emblazoned on her forehead. No, not for “loser” like we would tease each other in middle school, but for “listener.” Jeanie has an aura that says, “You are safe with me, I will listen.”
Is that so strange? I think not. At baptism we are sealed on the forehead with the sign of the cross, marked as Christ’s own. If we are willing, that aura, that sign of the cross, is what others perceive whether in the nurture food aisle, the checkout counter or parking lot.
When I return with a full cart, Betty smiles at me with her mascara-streaked face, “She’s so easy to talk to!”
At times, I wonder what aura-letter I project. “G” for grumpy? “S” for shy? Or am I a chameleon that changes my aura depending on the circumstance? I pray that others sense a “C” for compassionate, to treat all people with compassion, dignity, and respect.
For Refection:
What aura-letter do you portray to others?
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Rector's Picks: October Books | |
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Kate Moorehead Carroll. I Witness: Living Inside the Stories of Advent & Christmas.
Paperback – August 21, 2017.
Our Dean Kate helps us prepare for the birth of Jesus through the reflections of witnesses:
Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the wise men and others.
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Stephen Cottrell. Let It Slow: An Advent Calendar with a difference. Paperback—September 30,
2020.
This book aims to help you literally slow down and see how the joys and promises of Advent and
Christmas can restore our lives rather than add additional burdens and stress.
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Romano Guardini. The Last Things. Paperback – March 14, 2019 edition.
A traditional Advent theme is the end of time and the four last things or events of human existence: heaven, hell, death and judgement. Guardini masterfully and reverently leads us in
pondering these things in the Christian story of our salvation.
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Richard Harries. Wounded I Sing: From Advent to Christmas with George Herbert. Paperback –
September 17, 2024.
George Herbert is widely regarded as the greatest devotional poet the world has known. Here
Richard Harries introduces the poet and reflects on 24 of his greatest poems, six for each of the
four weeks of Advent, including "Redemption," "The Country Parson," and "The Temple."
-Amazon review.
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Rachel Mann. Do Not Be Afraid: The Joy of Waiting in a Time of Fear: The Archbishop of
York's Advent Book. Paperback – October 22, 2024.
As much at home with Strictly Come Dancing [Dancing With the Stars] as the mystical writings
of Julian of Norwich, Rachel Mann writes with disarming verve of something we all experience – waiting.
-Amazon review.
The 98th Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, is a fine writer in his
own right; see his entry above.
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Richard Rohr. Preparing for Christmas: Daily Meditations for Advent. Paperback – September
10, 2012.
Advent is not about a sentimental waiting for the Baby Jesus. Advent is a time to focus our
expectations and anticipation on “the adult Christ, the Cosmic Christ,” who challenges us to empty ourselves, to lose ourselves, to surrender.
-Fr Richard Rohr, OFM
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Rowan Williams. Silence and Honey Cakes: The wisdom of the desert. Paperback – November 19, 2004.
The wisdom of the 4th century desert fathers and mothers is a helpful guide as we seek to renew ourselves spiritually at the advent of a new Christian year.
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Jane Williams.The Art of Advent: A Painting a Day from Advent to Epiphany. Paperback – September 6, 2022.
Nearly forty famous and lesser-known beautiful pieces of Western art accompanied by the author’s thoughtful reflections make this an Advent classic.
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CHRIST THE KING
November 24
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O Christ, the everlasting Son of the Father, the catholic King: Come thou thyself to rule in our hearts, that the hatred of sin, the love of thy presence, the light of thy truth, and the joy of the Holy Ghost may there be enthroned; and then in thy mercy bring us to the kingdom where thou reignest in the glory of the eternal Trinity, for ever and ever. Amen. | |
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Archdeacon's Corner:
Being a Deacon in the Episcopal Church Today
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In the Episcopal Church today, becoming and serving as a deacon is both an honor and a calling that carries with it significant responsibilities and opportunities to serve. Rooted in the ancient traditions of the early Christian church, the role of a deacon is integral to the mission and ministry of the Episcopal Church, which emphasizes servant leadership and community outreach.
Deacons in the Episcopal Church are ordained ministers who are called to a
ministry of servanthood, embodying Christ's call to serve others. As Jesus says in Matthew’s Gospel, “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matt 20:28).
A deacon’s role is multifaceted, involving liturgical duties, pastoral care, and social outreach. During worship services, deacons have a liturgical duty by assisting the priest, proclaiming the Gospel, setting the table for Holy Communion, and sending the congregation out into the world. This liturgical function underscores the deacon's role as a bridge between the church and the world, reminding congregations of their mission to serve Christ by serving humanity.
In the world beyond the church, deacons respond to the needs of the world and community by helping the marginalized, the lonely, and the lost. Deacons then bring these needs back to the church to engage, facilitate, or create outreach programs. By actively engaging those in need, deacons help the church remain faithful to its calling to serve "the least of these" (Matthew 25:40).
In today's rapidly changing world, the role of a deacon is particularly vital.
Deacons are called to be prophetic voices, bringing attention to issues such as
poverty and inequality. They are tasked with not only identifying opportunities for service but also empowering laypeople to become actively involved in outreach ministries. This empowers the entire congregation to live out their baptismal covenant in real, tangible ways.
Being a deacon today also requires adaptability and an understanding of our
swiftly changing world. Deacons must be lifelong learners, continually developing new skills and perspectives to address the needs of the church and Christ’s ministry. The modern Episcopal deacon is a compassionate advocate, a teacher, and a dedicated servant leader, who inspires others to engage in the transformative ministry of Jesus.
In summary, being a deacon in the Episcopal Church today means embracing a
dynamic and challenging vocation, focused on serving others, building bridges
between the church and the world, and advocating for justice and compassion in all aspects of life. If you are interested in the discernment process, and feel you have a call, please speak with your Rector for more information.
Praying that our Lord finds you and keeps you in His peace.
Yours,
The Ven. Mark Richardson,
Archdeacon
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Bishop's Institute Spring 2025 Pilgrimage | |
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March 11-25, 2025
A Tour led by the Rev. Canon Douglas Dupree with the Archdeacon, Mark Richardson and the Rev. Deacon Annette Sines
Join the Bishop's Institute for an extensive journey from March 11- 21, starting with a flight to Greece and then traveling to various historical and archaeological sites. On arrival in Athens, the group will visit Corinth to see ancient ruins and the Corinth Canal. The following days include a tour of Athens' significant monuments like the Acropolis, Parthenon, and the Acropolis Museum. The journey continues to Vergina, Thessaloniki, and Philippi, following the footsteps of St. Paul, visiting ancient tombs, and significant early Christian sites.
The tour then proceeds to Rome, exploring key locations associated with early Christianity, including the Abbey of the Three Fountains, St. Paul's Basilica, the Catacombs of Santa Domitilla, the Colosseum, and the Vatican Museum. The trip concludes with visits to significant basilicas and the Vatican, reflecting on the early Christian history in Rome, before flying back home.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to connect with history and faith in some of the world's most storied locations. Book your spot today and be part of this enlightening and inspiring journey!
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Calling all wardens, vestry members, and your clergy!
VITAL Retreat
The Bishop's Institute for Ministry and Leadership
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Dates: Friday, January 10, 2025 - Sunday, January 12, 2025
Location: Camp Weed and Cerveny Conference Center
Time: Starts Friday 5 p.m.
Cost: $35 to $285
Join us for the Episcopal Diocese of Florida’s VITAL Retreat (Vestry Inspiration, Training, and Leadership Retreat), taking place January 10-12, 2025, at Camp Weed & Cerveny Conference Center.
This retreat offers workshops on leadership, communication, church canons and bylaws, financial management, and essential church resources, with plenty of inspiration and opportunities for worship.
Participants will engage in large group workshops, focused breakout sessions, and dedicated time for church-specific discussions for Vestry groups attending together.
Whether attending the full weekend or participating as a Friday/Saturday or Saturday-only guest, this retreat is an opportunity for Vestry members to deepen their faith, enhance their leadership skills, and connect with others from across the Diocese.
The Rt. Rev. Scott Benhase will be a featured speaker for this program. Dean Kate Moorehead Carroll and Keith Daw will speak as well. The Rev. Becky Rowell from Christ Church, Frederica will also lead us. Called to a ministry of reconciliation, she is a skilled and experienced trainer of clergy and vestries in conflict transformation skills and strategic planning.
We encourage full Vestries and clergy to participate together; however, individual Vestry members and smaller cohorts are encouraged to attend as well.
This is a joint program coordinated by the Bishop's Institute for Ministry and Leadership and Camp Weed's 100 More Committee.
For more information and registration: http://www.campweed.org/calendar/calendar-of-events/vital-retreat.aspx
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Saturday, January 18, 2025 10 am - 2 pm
St. John's Cathedral
Taliaferro Hall
256 E Church St
Jacksonville, FL 32202
As the American attention span shortens and language changes, how can a preacher captivate and spiritually nurture a congregation? What are the steps that need to be taken to craft a powerful sermon? And how does the life of the preacher become the very canvas upon which the sermon is created?
Join Dean Kate, in partnership with The Bishop’s Institute, for a step by step process on the creation of a sermon: from biblical scholarship, to the writing process, to the art of the delivery.
Lunch included.
Cost $25
*Scholarships available
*This workshop is included in the registration cost of the year long certificate program offered by the Bishop’s Institute and participants in that program are automatically registered in this workshop.
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