February 28, 2024 | Volume 14, No. 9 | |
Civil Rights Mural now interactive | |
Written by Dr. Michael Noll, via the Valdosta Daily Times | |
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Last August, Christ the King Episcopal Church dedicated its Civil Rights mural in downtown Valdosta. This year, in time for Black History Month, it installed two info panels in front of its mural which inform visitors of who is depicted on the wall. These info panels also provide a QR code that can be scanned with a smartphone to lead to the church’s website for more information. It is the hope of Christ the King Episcopal Church that in months and years to come the mural will become a place of learning and remembering, while providing paths to Martin Luther King’s “beloved community.”
The mural, which is adjacent to Mack’s Park on McKey Street, displays portraits of Saint Anna Alexander (a Saint of the Diocese of Georgia since 1998), Martin Luther King (an internationally known civil rights leader and Georgia native), Howard Thurman (an important theologian and mentor for Martin Luther King), Marsha P. Johnson (a nationally known LGBTQ rights activist), and John Lewis (a well-known civil rights leader beyond our state).
Also depicted on the mural are Mary Turner (a victim of the 1918 Georgia lynching rampage) in the form of a tree of life, and Ahmaud Arbery (a victim of racial violence in February 2020). Other portraits show Malcolm X, Harriet Tubman, and Maya Angelou.
Weaving across the mural is a rainbow-colored ribbon which in one area displays notes and lyrics from the Billie Holiday song “Strange Fruit.” The mural also shows smaller portraits of community members who are no longer with us, but who left an indelible mark on our city: Jane Louise Elza, Karen R. Noll, Linda Bennett Elder, Charles E. Todd, II., William “Mack” Freeman, Grant Brown, Rev. Stan White, and Gale Thomas Eger.
The mural artists are Taylor Shaw (former VSU professor) and A’Shadrian “Shay” Clayton (former VSU student).
-Dr. Michael G. Noll is junior warden of
Christ the King Episcopal Church in Valdosta.
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The Rev. Ira Jackson, Sr. (1929-2024) | |
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The Diocese mourns the death of the Rev. Ira Jackson, Sr., who passed away on February 24, 2024. Born in Adrian, GA with a school teacher mother, Ira was a quick learner and was soon reading the Bible for the stories inside. Unbeknownst to him, that formation stayed with him through his career until he felt a call to the priesthood. He was ordained to the Sacred Order of Priests at Grace Episcopal Church in Sandersville on August 8, 2009.
Ira met his wife, Mildred, and married in 1995. He once said, "Mildred has been and is good for me in ways I would not have accepted [earlier in life]. God allows her to be my beacon. The Apostle Paul may describe her as a 'thorn.'" Ira and Mildred's life centered around daily prayer and time for devotions, spending each day reading and studying scripture together.
Ira was an active member of Grace Episcopal Church in Sandersville before his ordination, where he taught Bible study, led the adult Sunday school class, served as a Lay Eucharistic Minister, and a Lay Reader. When in the process for Holy Orders, Ira wrote, "If I were to describe life in terms of one road; when we are born we are headed in one direction and our parents, god parents, and Church take us in until we are prepared to accept on our own confession, the affirmation of faith, until it has meaning. I now know I began that journey on Kings highway in the right direction to Paradise and have not turned around, but got on the shoulders of the road and was slowed down as a result of my own lack of preparedness. Until I cross the last river I will need constant guidance and I now understand that so much clearer today than yesterday. I am not perfect except through Christ my Savior, and my Lord."
"It was my privilege to preach Ira's ordination, Bishop Logue said. "He got to know me as a member of the Commission on Ministry and I was honored by his request. Ira had a stroke near the time of his ordination that prevented him from serving at the altar with rare exceptions. In my sermon for the occasion I said, 'God’s power has long been shown in powerlessness. God’s strength has for millennia been shown in weakness.' Even after the stroke limited his physical abilities, Ira's faith never wavered. His whole life was a testament to his trust in Jesus."
Ira is survived by his wife Mildred Wilcher Jackson; daughter Mrs. Lynn Jackson (Patrick) Stafford; son: Mr. Ira Jackson, Jr. (Elaina Chance); five grandchildren; a host of other relatives and friends. His funeral service will be held on Friday, March 1 at 11:00am at Grace Episcopal Church (114 2nd Ave W, Sandersville, GA 31082).
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Louise Shipps (1931-2024) | |
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The people of the Diocese of Georgia mourn the death of Louise Shipps, who died this week in Hospice care, at the age of 92, in her apartment at Clemson Downs in Clemson, South Carolina. Her gracious presence and amazing gifts as an artist were among the reasons she was beloved by many in central and south Georgia and across the Episcopal Church.
She married Harry W. Shipps in 1953. She supported him in his call to ordained ministry as he studied at Sewanee and served congregations in Albany, Savannah, and Augusta, prior to his election as the 8th Bishop of Georgia. Bishop Shipps served from 1983-1994.
Louise Shipps was a graduate in art studies from Boston University. She exhibited in numerous one-person and juried art shows and taught painting to adults and children. She also studied Eastern Orthodox Iconography and taught icon workshop retreats in Dallas, Augusta, Savannah, and Kanuga Conference Center in North Carolina. She is survived by daughters Ruth Shipps, Susan Anderson, and Rebecca Eidson; a son, David Shipps; seven grandchildren as well as great-grandchildren.
Funeral plans are not known at this time, but will be shared here in From the Field, when available, together with a fuller remembrance of her life.
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Communications Manager Liz Williams featured on the PR Maven Podcast | |
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In this PR Maven® Podcast episode, host Nancy Marshall sits down with Liz Williams to discuss her journey to this unique position. Liz elaborates on her journey from a marketing undergraduate to eventually working in the church’s youth and children ministries. She also recounts her experience with a non-profit for mental and behavioral health before becoming communications manager. Nancy and Liz discuss the varied responsibilities, including managing social media, public relations and larger communications for churches. Their discussion also touches on the upcoming Episcopal Communicators Conference, set to take place in Portland, Maine. The conference’s aim is to build community amongst communicators and equip them with crucial tools. Liz discusses the importance of crisis communication within the churches, and Nancy provides details about her upcoming keynote and crisis communications workshop.
To listen to the podcast, click here.
To learn more about the Episcopal Communicators Conference, visit the website here or email Liz Williams at lwilliams@gaepiscopal.org.
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Upcoming Ordinations to the
Sacred Order of Deacons
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Ken Shradar
March 16 at 11:00am, Annunciation in Vidalia
Shelley Martin
March 23 at 11:00am, St. Augustine of Canterbury in Augusta
Bertice Berry
April 13 at 11:00am, Christ Church in Savannah
Becky Dorrell
April 27 at 11:00am, Christ Church Frederica on St. Simons Island
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Screening of 'The Philadelphia Eleven' this week | |
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St. Peter's in Savannah is hosting a screening of the documentary 'The Philadelphia Eleven.' The event is open and free to the public, with the opportunity to give a donation. Seating will be first come, first serve, and snacks will be provided.
The diocese had a screening of the documentary at convention in November 2023, and it was a moving and emotional experience for many in attendance.
When: Tuesday, February 29, 5:45pm
Where: 3 West Ridge Road, Savannah, GA
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Racial Justice Georgia hosting two
upcoming events
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Racial Justice Georgia, in partnership with St. Cyprian's in Darien and civic groups in McIntosh County, invites you to the annual Weeping Time Commemoration. Held March 2-3, 2024, this time will acknowledge and honor those that suffered during the largest slave auction in the United States in 1859 by Pierce Butler, who sold 436 men, women, and children to settle his debts. The Commemoration will not only reflect on the injustice of the auction, but also celebrate the persistent faith of former Butler slaves who established St. Cyprian's. RJGA welcomes you to join in any of the scheduled events as you are able.
Schedule of Events
Saturday, March 2
2:00pm: Butler Island Festival (7777 Butler Island Rd, Darien 31305)
5:30pm: Candlelight Vigil at Butler Island
Sunday, March 3
8:15am: Butler Cemetery (Ridge Road, Darien 31305)
9:00am: Worship at St. Cyprian's (401 Fort King George Dr, Darien 31305)
10:45am: Tour Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation SHS (5556 Hwy 17, Brunswick 31525)
2:00pm: Weeping Time Commemoration Program at St. Cyprian's
3:30pm: Reception in the Parish Hall of St. Andrew's and St. Cyprian's Churches
For more information or questions, email RJGA at racialjusticega@gaepiscopal.org.
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Zoom Conversation with Dr. Catherine Meeks
On Wednesday, March 6 at 6pm, Racial Justice Georgia will host a zoom-based conversation with Dr. Catherine Meeks. Dr. Meeks is the founder and recently-retired Executive Director of the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing, in the Diocese of Atlanta. The conversation will reflect on her past work, her new book A Quilted Life: Reflections of a Sharecropper's Daughter, and the urgent need for racial healing. Please join!
Zoom for Dr. Catherine Meeks
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Convention hotel blocks now available | |
Hotel blocks for the 2024 Convention in Tifton are now available. Rooms are being held at four different hotels and each have a special link or code to reserve your room. | |
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La Quinta Inn & Suites
1215 US 82 West
Tifton GA 31793
229-382-8500
Click here to book
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Holiday Inn Express
814 West 7th Street
Tifton GA 31794
Call to book and mention the Episcopal Diocese of GA block: 229-382-3300
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1Book1Diocese discussion continues | |
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This Lent, the Diocese of Georgia offers a study using a book written by the directors of a more than eight-decade-long study of what makes for a fulfilling life. The Harvard Study of Human Development offers a window into lives of meaning and purpose through the data they have collected. The book also looks at what is gleaned from similar studies around the world. While the book itself does not make connections to our faith in Jesus, the discussion guide does.
The discussion guide is designed for a five-week study beginning in the week after the First Sunday in Lent and ending the week following the Fifth Sunday in Lent.
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Week Two Read Chapters 3-4
Show the group a photograph of yourself (whether a print or on your phone) when you were half the age you are now. If you are under 35, share a photo taken when you were starting out on your own as an adult. Tell the group what plans and hopes you had at that time and what was most important to you.
When has a loss or another unplanned event been a key turning point for you? Was there a time when this turned you toward God or away from God, or away from the church while still holding faith?
There are strong friendships in scripture from Ruth and Naomi or David and Jonathan to Jesus with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. When has a friend strengthened your faith or gotten you through a difficult period? What are the characteristics of a friendship like this? How might you intentionally cultivate these kinds of friendships?
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Christ Church in Valdosta is seeking an Administrative Assistant. Those interested in applying can send their resume and three letters of reference to the Rev. Hal Weidman at rector@christchurchvaldosta.org. | |
The Episcopal Church of St. John and St. Mark in Albany is seeking to hire a song leader for the weekly 11:00am service. The song leader would initially work with the current music team, gradually assuming additional roles. Must be able to read music, and a proficiency with a keyboard or guitar is a plus. For more information, contact Rose Dunnum at rdunnum@yahoo.com. | |
Glynn Episcopal Ministries hosted The Power of Music Classical Concert held at St. Athanasius Episcopal Church. The concert highlighted African American composers and well known spirituals. | |
The Godly Play class at Saint Paul's in Augusta learn about the season of Lent. | |
The staff of Happening #109 after the Sunday service at Christ Church in Valdosta at the end of their staff lock in. | |
King of Peace in Kingsland hosted at recital by pianist Jesse Smith and violinist Lynn Fogarty. | |
The clergy and an acolyte with Bishop Logue and those confirmed and reaffirming their faith at St. Augustine of Canterbury in Augusta, Georgia. | |
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Happening #109
Who: 9th - 12th Graders
Where: Honey Creek
When: April 5-7, 2024
Participant Registration
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Cursillo #128
Where: Honey Creek
When: April 25-28, 2024
Team Application
Participant Registration
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Spring Clergy Conference
Who: All clergy
Where: Honey Creek
When: April 29 - May 1, 2024
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Summer Camp
High School Camp
June 2-8, 2024
Registration
Middle School Camp
June 9-15, 2024
Registration
Elementary School Camp
June 16-22, 2024
Registration
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Fall Clergy Conference
Who: All clergy
Where: Honey Creek
When: September 30 - October 2, 2024
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Diocesan Convention
Where: UGA Tifton Conference Center
When: November 8-9, 2024
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We want to hear from you! | |
If you would like to have your submission considered for From the Field, it needs to be sent to Communications Manager Liz Williams (lwilliams@gaepiscopal.org) by noon on Tuesday. | |
Prayer for Weekly Liturgies | |
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Our one-year prayer cycle combines prayers for every congregation in the Diocese of Georgia with prayers for our ecumenical partners and for our Companion Diocese of The Dominican Republic.
The 2024 one year prayer cycle is online here: 2024 Prayer Cycle.
March 3 - 9 In our diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for our congregations in Brunswick, Good Shepherd, St. Athanasius’, and St. Mark’s. We also pray for our ecumenical partners in Brunswick, especially St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and St. James Lutheran Church. In our companion diocese of the Dominican Republic, we pray for Church of the Holy Name (El Santo Nombre) in Catalina.
March 10 - 16
In our diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for our congregation in Cochran, Trinity and for our ecumenical partners, especially St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Cairo. In our companion diocese of the Dominican Republic, we pray for St. Gabriel (San Gabriel) in Consuelo.
31-Day Prayer Cycles - Revised January 1, 2024
We also offer 30-day prayer cycles for those who wish to pray daily for the clergy and clergy spouses: Diocesan Prayer Cycle and Clergy Spouses Prayer Cycle.
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Diocesan Office Update and News | |
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Bishop Logue is at Camp Allen in Texas for a meeting of the House of Bishops through March 5.
To view Bishop Logue's full visitation calendar, click here. Updated 1/16/2024
Photo: Bishop Logue with the altar party at St. Augustine of Canterbury in Augusta.
Executive Assistant to the Bishop Maggie Lyons will be out of the office on Thursday and Friday.
Communications Manager Liz Williams will be out of the office on Friday.
The best way to reach a staff member is via email as we will always get back with you promptly in many cases and in 24-72 hours when working on more pressing matters. Staff e-mails can be found here with a list of responsibilities so you know who to contact for what.
You may also reach diocesan staff by phone at (912) 236-4279.
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Lily Fields (at right) shows Bishop Logue as Ken in a Barbie meme made at the Episcopal Youth Event that she and the bishop both attended in Maryland this Summer. This photo from his visit to her church, St. Augustine of Canterbury in Augusta, is a reminder that we are all enough for the God who made us and loves us. | | | | |
