Come, Holy Spirit come. Come as Holy fire and burn in us. Come as Holy light and lead us.
Come as Holy truth and teach us, convict us, convert us and consecrate us and make us wholly thine.
Amen.
Before I say another word, let me begin by saying thank you. Thank you for reaching out to me and my family this past week. Thank you for lifting up my father in prayer. Your prayers were a comfort to me and all my family. I believe in prayer and I believe your prayers helped lift him up and carry him into the closer company of the Saints in light. Thank you.
It was noted in his obituary and other sources that he was a pilot. He actually flew for the Airlines for 33 years following his time as a pilot during WWII. Dad grew up in Michigan and graduated from high school in 1941. At that time the U.S. had not yet entered the war. He and some friends, perhaps influenced by the title of a soon to be released movie called “a Yank in the RAF,” went to Canada and joined the Royal Canadian Airforce. After graduating from flight school he was sent to England and the RAF were he flew a couple years of missions in mosquitoes — a twin engine fighter-bomber. Sometime around 1944 Uncle Sam came calling and he was inducted into the US Army Air Corps but given detached duty to the RAF and his original squadron. Yes, a member of the greatest generation. Throughout his life, Dad was defined as a husband, father, friend, and, this is very important, as a pilot. I can never remember him seeing an airplane that he didn’t want to inspect close up. Nor did he ever see a plane that he didn’t want to fly. Dad, also, never saw a storm that he wasn’t afraid of. He was scared of bad weather and willing to admit and own that fear. He would often say that there was no reason to “mess with nature.” Nor any reason to “mess with a storm.” I suspect that spoke to a deep respect for God and creation. When I was learning to fly and poor weather made a lesson or practice impossible, he would offer counsel saying “patience, blue skies, and new skies are around the corner.” They always were and indeed they are.
Patience, hard work, perseverance, and faith have brought all of us to this historic moment in the life of the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi. Friends, blues skies, and new skies have brought us back to our Coast. Coast Convocation, thank you, for your efforts in assisting our Lord with re-creating this place. Things looked quite a bit different 10 years ago. Didn’t they? Thank you for the new life you’ve invited us to share this weekend. Thank you for not quitting when it seemed impossible and perhaps not worth it. Thank you for the blessing of your incredible and unique hospitality! Thank you for showing the rest of us how to — Be One Church — in spite of the storm known as Katrina.
Being One Church. You’re probably tired of hearing that or perhaps, more tired of reading it in the context of a hashtag! Sorry, but we’re not done with Being One Church, in fact we’re just getting started! In the last year I’ve found that we are One church in many amazing ways. While visiting parishes around the state I have found relationships and connections that are not only deep but heartwarming and unique. It’s been my pleasure to step into your churches and worship with you and see the many ways that we are One Church. Thank you for indulging me and allowing me to interrupt the normal flow of the liturgy by taking a selfie with you! I know liturgy professors, former rectors, and past bishops would probably take issue with me disrupting the service in this manner! Although ask anyone who’s known me for any length of time, they won’t be surprised that professors and retired rectors and bishops might take issue with me! I’ve found that we are one church connected by relationships, our sacramental Episcopal tradition for worship, but more than anything, by love, love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Now, within our One Church I have seen significant diversity of opinion particularly related to some of the major theological and social issues of these days. I thank you for your willingness to share your thoughts and concerns with me. You have blessed me with your patience while informing and teaching me. I still believe that in spite of the diversity of opinion we are One Church, perhaps, divided by opinion but united within the Lord and the creedal tradition we hold dear. This past Fall, I met with a small group of clergy from around the diocese. On purpose, we represented a diversity of theological opinion and thought. We came together for worship, fellowship, and discussion. We emerged informed by each other, more aware of each other’s struggles and issues and more aware of the need to listen to each other. We found that no one was crossing their fingers while saying the historic creeds. I witnessed love for Christ and love for the church, love defined by the creeds and known through the persons of the trinity. It was a wonderful gathering. I look forward to holding a similar clergy retreat this year with some of the same voices in attendance as well as some new voices. It was an experience by which I was blessed. I hope others will find similar blessing and peace.
We are One Church joined together by our Lord — One Church in spite of diversity of opinions, in spite of geography, in spite of history. But, Being One Church isn’t enough. It’s a start — a good start — but not enough. Our survival as a denomination and as Christians calls us to not just stay right here but to be out there — in the world. We can not depend on people simply finding us. We need to go out and lead them in! And, don’t think that we have nothing to give because traditional or progressive, Orthodox or evangelical, low-church or high-church we offer a unique and wonderful style of worship that incorporates the finest traditions of the church and an outward and visible sign of God’s love! Michael Curry, our new Presiding Bishop, has boldly declared “This is the Jesus Movement, and we are The Episcopal Church, the Episcopal branch of Jesus’ movement in this world.” Friends, we are the Mississippi branch of Jesus’ movement in this world!
I believe we are being called by this Jesus movement into Ministry and Mission. I believe our Lord is calling us into Being One Church in Mission. That’s right — like I said last year — Being is an active word. Being is not resting or passive. It is active and vibrant. I believe we are not just called to Be One Church in Mission — but we are called into Being One Church in Mission. We can stay within our own little cloistered communities of faith, but I believe God is calling us out into an active and vibrant faith. Out of our comfort zones, out into the world and into Being One Church in Mission.
Mission, what is it? I suspect most of us have a definition or personal understanding of Mission. Probably we think of a mission as a trip to a third world country where we might be able to give from our abundance. Likewise we probably think of missionaries as a sort of specialist in that type of ministry. Those common concepts are only part of the definition of mission in fact, our catechism in the Book of Common Prayer defines mission saying,
The mission of the Church is to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.
That catechism widens the mission field and goes a step further when it says,
The Church carries out its mission through the ministry of all its members.
You heard it right. We are all called to be missionaries and all people represent the mission field whether across the globe or across town. Presiding Bishop Curry has charged us saying, “Now is our time to go. To go into the world, letting the world know that there is a God who loves us, a God who will not let us go, and that that love can set us all free.”
In a few minutes while we transition into our first business session you will see a slide show that shows us Being One Church. It’s primarily pictures of me at various gatherings and visitations. (stopped to shoot a selfie) I hope it helps you begin to picture and see what I’ve seen. It’s been my great delight to worship in more than 70 of our congregations. I still have about 20 more to go! It’s been a blessing to learn about some truly amazing ministries that are being practiced and lived in congregations throughout the state. I’ve been particularly blessed to worship in some amazing historic locations including small quaint places that struggle to keep their doors open. Thank you — you know who you are —thank you for working tirelessly to keep your doors open and to see that Jesus’ name is praised. We’ve made small strides by clustering some churches together, St. John’s, Aberdeen and Good Shepherd, Columbus being one example. We will continue to seek creative ways to meet the needs of all our parishes. Unfortunately, sometimes difficult decisions need to be made. When that’s the case we will discern and pray together for God’s guidance.
A year ago, I spoke about the importance of ministry for people and families involved in all facets of recovery. Since that time an active task force has sprung to life and is helping those who are still suffering find their way to treatment and aftercare. This Episcopal Recovery Program is able to help men and women take the first step into a new life. A special fund known as the André Fund was created last spring. It is named for André Conway who, though his life was cut short, reached out to many in the recovery community. I’m glad to say he is still reaching out as we’ve already been able to help four individuals get started in a program of recovery. The offering at our closing Eucharist will go toward the André Fund.
On the topic of Wellness, Clergy Conference, 2015, focused on wellness. While meeting with representatives and resource people from the Church Pension Group we learned a great deal. Including differences between the inventory at the Piggly Wiggly in Canton and some supermarkets in the northeast! However, there was significant interest in taking steps to honor the vessel God has given us. I am working with our Wellness Committee to create a local program, starting with Mississippi clergy, to offer resources for better health and wellness. Let me tell you whether it’s the folks at St. John’s, Leland, with “Hotter than Hades, Half-Marathon” or Mindy Giambrone at Trinity, Vicksburg, we have some incredible leaders for this effort!
Our Mississippi branch of the Jesus movement remains active in world mission efforts. The Honduran Medical Mission is going strong and will complete its 34th mission next month. Their efforts not only bring medical supplies and services but also serve as a vital educational component for the translators and others who assist. Most impressive is that they haven’t stopped looking for ways to more effectively and efficiently practice their ministry. Thank you, all of you … God bless you in your ministry and on this journey.
Our relationship with Panama is strong, in fact, Bishop Murray has invited me to come surfing. I look forward to that missionary effort.
In April, I will accompany a Mississippi team on a trip to Uganda as guest to Bishop Jackson of the Diocese of Rwenzori. Given the recent primates meeting in Canterbury you would probably agree that a visit of this type is more important than ever. Bp. Jackson and I exchanged emails just yesterday reiterating his invitation and support for our mission.
All of you do so much more! I won’t dare to mention the many cases where churches and individuals throughout our Diocese reach out internationally as part of their mission and ministry! I won’t dare because I will forget someone! You know who you are. Blessing on your efforts.
I’m pleased to say that within Mississippi churches, we have several offerings for the Spanish speaking population, most notably, Oxford and Ocean Springs. I’m proud to say that I muddled through the service at St. Peter’s last spring. Apparently, I did all right as Bruce McMillin gave me a nickname, El Grande Obispo.
Several Tornadoes left a mark on the lives of Mississippi residents over Christmas. My heart and prayers go out to those who lost loved ones. I’m grateful that our Clergy responded so quickly and capably. I’m also grateful that our disaster relief task force was able to offer assistance in short order.
In the news over the last few weeks were a number of reports on the primates meeting at Canterbury. This gathering of the heads of the various churches in the Anglican communion came together two weeks ago at the invitation of the Archbishop of Canterbury. At that meeting, the Episcopal Church was censured, not suspended or kicked out — censured. The primates voted unanimously to continue to walk together.
- I’m grateful the Primates want to continue walking together.
- I’m grateful for the words and vision of our Presiding Bishop.
Recently I was asked why I hadn’t printed a comment related to the meeting. I replied, honestly, saying “at this moment I’m more consumed with one of the biggest events in the history of our diocese namely the ordination of six new priests! That’s right six men and women who have answered God’s call saying, ‘yes, Lord I will.’” It was awesome! It was a historic and wonderful occasion in our common lives! It meant the world to me to be joined by such a large group of clergy from throughout the Diocese! Our worship and our common life continue unchanged. We are still very much in communion with our brothers and sisters from around the globe. We are still in communion with the four instruments of unity.
Tomorrow, at the business session, you will be asked to approve a deficit budget. I hate that it is a deficit. I want you to know that, as your bishop, I will work with the finance committee, executive committee and those on my staff to keep a close eye on this throughout the year. We are not planning to simply “ride our endowments down.” We will be paying close attention to the bottom line. Already some important conversations have been started related to some of the larger expenses on our books and in our budget. We have begun creative efforts to reduce those expenses. Partnerships between parishes and institutional ministries have formed. I believe we will begin to really see the benefit of those new partnerships this year. My hope is that by year-end, and into 2017, we will see the blessing and benefit — on the bottom line — of these creative efforts.
A new initiative and creative effort began several years ago when Canon Johnson and Bishop Gray partnered with the IONA initiative to form the AC Marble School for the Diaconate. The AC Marble School now has eight students including two from the Diocese of Louisiana. In September of 2016, the AC Marble School will have it’s first students in training for the bi-vocational priesthood. The school will continue to function under the leadership of our new dean, the Rev. Charles Hawkins, with the Rev. Beth Foose continuing as the principal instructor.
Speaking of those issues that divide us and the diversity of opinions that exist, probably the most significant issue is still human sexuality. This past summer our Supreme Court ruled on the constitutionality of same sex marriage. In a very close vote they declared that it is constitutional and now the law of the land. Only days later, the General Convention of our Church voted during meetings in Salt Lake City to acknowledge marriage as being between 2 persons not just a man and a woman. These actions created great celebrations and great concerns. It is important for us to recognize the two voices that emerge from this discussion. I believe that celebration is in order for the liberties and blessing that have been granted to same sex couples. I have also listened to and heard the dissenting opinion and the pain these moves have caused. While I don’t agree with this opinion I believe it’s imperative to listen and hear the orthodox traditional faith represented. I quote from the Supreme Court ruling of Obergfel v. Hodges in June, 2015, “religious organizations and persons are given proper protection as they seek to teach the principles that are so fulfilling and so central to their lives and faiths, and to their own deep aspirations to continue the family structure they have long revered.” Likewise, General Convention clearly calls us to not allow the traditional opinion on marriage to be marginalized or go unheard. The church has spoken for same sex couples giving me clear instructions to “make the liturgies available.” I have also said, and I paraphrase from the canons, that a member of the clergy will always have the right to decline to officiate any marriage for any reason. What I’m trying to say is that the church has implored me to make marriage and blessings available to same-sex couples while also protecting the conscience of those who for Theological reasons cannot agree.
With those two polarities in place, I would like to share how we will move forward.
First, I realize that our existing system is far from perfect. I realize and have been told that it has introduced painful stress and conflict into your parish relationships. I’m sorry for that and to all of you have engaged a process and worked together through it, thank you. I do, however, believe it is necessary for us to continue with this system. I believe it is necessary for us to provide a safe avenue for these conversations. I believe it is important for us to pray together, affirm our faith in the words of the creed and share how God speaks to God’s people. If you and your parish have begun a process, carry on, and listen to each other. If you and your parish are contemplating a process, I ask you to wait. Just wait until Easter when I will offer a designed process for you to follow. With this new process your options will remain similar to the past,
1) Do nothing
2) Differentiate your parish from the process
3) Run the process and request that the ban on same sex weddings be lifted or,
a new option
A 4th option -- some of you might be saying why a fourth option?
Because I've listened and I've heard people on both sides of the issue. I've heard parishioner within the LGBT community say "I don't want to be the reason my church divides." "Is there a way my priest could celebrate this service in our home or another place other than the church?"
Likewise, I’ve heard the traditional viewpoint ask a similar question not with malice or disregard but with the desire to offer a pastoral response to a fellow parishioner. Both sides were willing to compromise because they prayed, talked, listened and worshiped together.
I already have one request of this nature.
And another church got to a similar point in their discernment. This time the willingness of a couple in the parish to make the sacrifice of having a service somewhere other than the church made them sit down again to discern. The willingness of this couple made leadership sit down to talk, listen and pray. Later they requested the ban simply be lifted.
4) If you discern for pastoral reasons your parish is divided on the issue but feels called to ask their affiliated clergy, (rector, associates or curate) to make this available to parishioners in a context outside of the parish I will grant permission for them to do so.
Finally, retired clergy and non-parochial clergy may request permission to perform same sex weddings outside of the parish context.
Our common lives are built on relationships. It is imperative that we pray, talk, listen, hear, and discern together. My intention for continuing a process and providing new options is an effort to ask us to continue to be the body of Christ, and to continue walking together. I’d like to say again that I understand this is far from perfect. Thank you for not giving up, and for charitably engaging these difficult issues.
Also, I’d like to add, I have shared with all of you brief snippets of my first year as bishop in pictures, journals, meetings, and visitations. A year ago at council Bishop Gray passed me the crozier. It’s been an incredible journey thus far. A journey leading around the state and outside the Diocese into the church at large. Thank you for your patience with me during the early days of this journey. Thank you for your tutorials along the way and for sharing your stories.
I owe sincere gratitude to an incredible staff who support the office of the bishop in amazing ways. Thank you to Liley, Suzanne, V.A., Bill, Scott, David, and Kathryn. I left Peggy out of that list only because I’d like to state publicly that she’s been my right arm, even while living through her own heartache and loss. Thank you.
It’s my great pleasure to begin recreating within the office. This year we welcomed The Rev. Gates Elliot as the Director of Development. His position is vital as we practice stewardship and giving within our parishes. A year ago, I spoke about the importance of creating resources for future ministry. Gates is working to those ends for our Diocese and our churches. He is available to help you. (Talk to him quick, his calendar is filling up fast.)
The newest member of our staff is Whitney Robinson as the Director of Youth Ministries. Whitney brings extensive experience in Christian Education and Youth Ministry. I’m excited about the many creative ideas she has for supporting parish and diocesan youth programs. This is a part time position but it’s not a secret that I hope it can become full-time in the future.
In October, we welcomed the Rev. Brian Ponder back to Allin House to transition into the position of Canon for Administration and Finance. He brings outstanding experience in parish ministry and within Diocesan ministry and structure. Already his experience has proven to be a gift to the church.
Dwight Zscheile, an Episcopal Priest and expert in the field of Mission, says, and I paraphrase, “people don’t come to the church anymore, we have to go to them — that is our Mission.” “The mission field is all around us in our neighborhoods,” he added. “Today our church does not make Christians for us.” I hope that all of us at the Allin house can help you work toward the mission of the church!
Speaking of Allin house staff — this council marks the close of a 23 year ministry for Canon Kathryn Weathersby McCormick. Kathryn is well known throughout the diocese and the Episcopal Church having served in numerous capacities at the provincial and national levels. Given that she was hired by Bishop Gray, Jr., it is safe to say that she has trained three bishops! When I look in the clergy ranks here, most of you were probably indebted to her through the formation and seminary years as she eased the burden of financial insecurities! She’s been a steady presence at Allin House, literally, through all the storms or chaos. This weekend will offer more opportunity to offer thanks and goodbye. Right now, however, I want to be first — thank you, Kathryn your ministry is a blessing.
One more thank you, (then I’ll bring this plane in for a landing) — to my family — Betsy, Katie and Kyle you’ve been so patient and understanding. Thank you!
It’s a joy Being One Church with all of you and an honor. I believe we are a Church being called into the deep and abundant Mission field that surrounds us. This past week has reminded me that above all else we are the body of Christ. As the body of Christ we celebrate his grace by giving it away and sharing it with those in need. When I speak of those in need I’m not just speaking about the recipients of our many outreach efforts or mission and evangelism but also the many people, like myself, in need of pastoral care. Being One Church in Mission means being doers of the word inside our churches, around our churches, and in the world at large. Thank you for reaching out to me.
I began my ordained ministry here on the Coast in 1997. Early on, I was offering the blessing at the end of a service with these words, “Go forth into the world in peace, be of good courage hold fast to that which is good. Render to no one evil for evil. Strengthen the fainthearted support the weak honor all persons. Love and serve the Lord rejoicing in the power of the Spirit. And, may the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be with you now and always. Amen.” After the service a woman came up to me and said “thank you for using Bishop Gray’s benediction! It was so good to hear it again.” I said, you’re welcome, but I didn’t get it from Bp. Gray, Jr. In fact, I first heard it offered by John Gibson in Pascagoula. It doesn’t matter where the words came from. It doesn’t matter that they were the blessing after confirmation in the 1928 Prayer book. What matters, is that those words from holy scripture send us. Those words inspired by God send us into the mission field as the Body of Christ — the Jesus movement of the Episcopal Church in Mississippi. We are the Jesus Movement — Being One Church in Mission with our Lord. Amen.
