Episcopal Church of the Nativity
Episcopal Church of the Nativity Diocese of Mississippi
Established May 24, 1881
The Rt. Rev. Duncan M. Gray III, IX Bishop of Mississippi DATES TO REMEMBER:
August 12 — Family-style breakfast and Sunday School Kick-off
August 19 — EYC begins!
August 26 — The Rt. Rev. Larry Maze leads worship, potluck luncheon to follow
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;
Greenwood, Mississippi A U G U S T
Meeting with Linda Nelson Dear Fellow Nativity Members, Please allow me to update you on our weekend activities with Linda Nelson. While Linda is based in New Orleans, the Mississippi Diocese has assigned her to assist us in our time of transition. She will offer guidance as we go through the Priest in Charge process to select a new spiritual leader for Nativity.
Church members gather together at a luncheon to celebrate the visit of The Rev. Watson Lamb
I have included below two recaps graciously prepared by Mary Carol Miller. The first is from a session that Linda led with your vestry during the evening of Friday, July 27. The second is a recap of the session she lead with our membership during the morning of Saturday, July 28. I am pleased to report that 55 Nativity members participated in this session. If your schedule did not allow you to attend Saturday morning, I hope that you can drop by the church office and fill out a questionnaire, or contact me and I’ll send one to you. That way your voice can be added to the conversation. As a reminder, your vestry has a sub-committee that is focusing on the Priest in Charge process. Their primary task right now is completing our parish profile that we will use to communicate the strengths of Nativity and Greenwood to potential applicants. The members of the sub-committee are: Lark Brown, Tish Goodman, Frances Lavelle, Cyndi Saia, Mike Carter, Harris Powers, Lance Mohamed, and Bill Andrews, ex officio. While going through the Priest in Charge process, your vestry is also concentrating on the five major goals we outlined for ourselves in 2011. 1.
To continue to build a viable youth ministry;
2.
To take steps to build a more viable ministry with children;
not grow weary,
3.
To build a viable ministry with younger adults;
they will walk
4.
To take steps to reduce our capital campaign debt; and
and not be faint.
5.
To expand our reach in pastoral care for all our members.
they will run and
Isaiah 40:31
2 0 1 2
On a personal note, I cannot say thank you enough to all of you who have risen to the occasion in helping out the last couple months. Your dedication to Nativity shows how special our church home is and I am confident that it will be evident to potential priests as they begin to look at Nativity. Sincerely, Bill Andrews Senior Warden
please see pages 2 and 3 for additional information
ng c.
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A U G U S T
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2 0 1 2
Vestry Meeting with Linda Nelson, July 27, 2012 Narrative Summary On Friday, July 27, 2012, the Vestry of Church of the Nativity met with facilitator Linda Nelson to discuss the expectations for a new rector. While many potential strengths and weaknesses were considered in the course of the meeting, these six ministry components were ranked as the most critical by the Vestry: 1. A potential rector should be dedicated to the practice of pastoral care, both in crisis situations and in day-to-day ministry for the parish. These expectations should be clearly defined and understood by the rector and the congregation to insure a level of pastoral attention to our needs without an unrealistic demand on the rector’s schedule. 2. A potential rector should strive to understand the unique culture and atmosphere of Greenwood and the Delta and embrace the strengths and opportunities inherent in that culture. The rector should be enthusiastic about life in this community and initiate involvement in whatever elements of the area would be appropriate. 3. A potential rector should respect the traditions of Nativity, both those of an Episcopalian nature and those unique to this congregation, and initiate needed changes with care and concern for the opinions of those affected. Before change is implemented, the rector will attempt to convey the underlying logic behind the change and move the congregation along with sensitivity to long-held practices. 4. A potential rector should function more as a “shepherd” than a “dictator,” endeavoring to build consensus whenever possible as major and minor decisions are made. Recognizing that some decisions fall entirely within the realm of the rector’s discretion and responsibility, the Vestry will expect the rector to welcome reasonable input and strive for a mutually agreeable resolution. 5. A potential rector should be expected to manifest a sense of enjoyment and fulfillment in the practice of preaching and teaching. While every priest will naturally exhibit a unique style of delivering sermons and leading parishioners in spiritual formation, it is anticipated that that individual’s personal spiritual commitment and dedication to the Gospel will be evident to all those affected by their leadership. 6. A potential rector should view Nativity’s congregation as a deep pool of potential talent for Outreach, Youth development and engagement with the many programs within the church. This rector will be actively involved in leading, by example and by delegation, this parish into a more essential role in the spiritual life of Greenwood and the surrounding area.
Worship in August
ECW
August 5 - The Holy Eucharist, Rite I and Rite II with The Rev. Annie Elliot
The ECW fall meeting will be held Wednesday, August 29 at 5:30pm at the Church.
August 12 - Morning Prayer, Rite I. The Holy Eucharist, Rite II with The Rev. Lynn Barker August 19 - Morning Prayer, Rite I and Rite II August 26 - The Holy Eucharist, Rite I and Rite II with The Rt. Rev. Larry Maze
Sunday Breakfast There are still spots left to bring Sunday breakfast! Hurry over to the kitchen to claim your day! For questions contact Frances Knight at 299-6041.
Sunday School Kick-off Sunday school will begin on August 12th with a fun morning full of games and treats! Family-style breakfast will begin at 8:45am, followed by Sunday School at 9:30am. Children’s chapel will begin on Sunday, August 19th Our Sunday School Teachers are: 3yr-5yr: Tish Goodman 1st-2nd grade: Frances Knight 3rd-5th grade: Cyndi Saia and Philip Lawes EYC: Lance Mohamed and Charlie Swayze
EPISCOPAL
CHURCH
OF
THE
PAGE
NATIVITY
Parish Meeting with Linda Nelson, July 28, 2012 Narrative Summary On Saturday morning, July 28, 2012, the parish members of the Church of the Nativity met with facilitator Linda Nelson to discuss their expectations and hopes in the Vestry’s search for a new rector. Fifty-five members were in attendance and they identified a number of attributes which they hoped would be found in potential candidates for this position. These included the following qualities and skills: Rector “shows up,” i.e., is available and involved in times of crisis and for day-to-day pastoral care. Personality balance, whether a natural extrovert or introvert. Spiritual depth Demonstrates strong listening skills Demonstrates basic “people skills” Reverence and respect for both Episcopalian traditions and Nativity traditions, with a commitment to “teaching before change” and a balanced perspective in the liturgy Demonstrating a positive attitude by the rector toward the congregation and the congregation toward the rector Experience in the South and with Mississippi congregations Demonstrates an enthusiasm for and an understanding of young people, including teens and children Serves as a leader who recognizes the leadership skills of others Serves as a consensus builder with the Vestry Open to renewal of Nativity parishioners’ involvement in programs like “Happening,” “Cursillo” and “Kairos.” Supports Diocesan functions and activities and encourages parishioners involvement in those opportunities. Maintains an active involvement in the community, including participation in ecumenical organizations. Those present were presented with a list of 16 attributes which a congregation might seek in a new rector and were asked to vote on the most crucial six elements. After tabulation, the following were listed as the most vital for Nativity’s search, ranked by order of voting totals: 1. Visiting with the congregation 2. Preaching and making the Gospel relevant to parishioners 3. Worship leadership 4. Youth work (defined as all children and teens) 5. Administration and management of the facility and programs 6. Spiritual guidance and formation
EYC update! Earlier in the summer, EYC was able to travel to South Carolina to work with another youth group to build wheel chair ramps for people in need in the Cheraw community. We were so blessed to have Guy Ray on the trip, his kind and giving spirit was appreciated by all. Thank you to the Nativity family for all of your prayers and support for our youth this summer! EYC will kick off the school year at 5pm, Sunday, August 19th! The will be an Acolyte training on Sunday, June 26 during the Sunday School hour. If you have any questions contact Sarah at 503-348-4745 or [email protected]
Prayer List For the Sick: Edna Franklin, Melinda Gwin, Ronnie Rodgers, Whitney Smith, Polly Upshaw, Franklin Ray, Greg Bennett Homebound or Assisted Living: Ann Cook, Orman Gee, Jo Alice Johnson, Rose Mathews, Ruth Meeks, Sis Hughes Silver, Lewis Smith, Dorothy Walker, Joanne Woody. Extended Family & Friends: Jodie Tharp, Mike Harris Sr., Travis Rogers (grandson of Mary Dent) Members: Arnold Smith & Family Expectant Mothers: Jane Gray Bledsoe, Shara Pilch Gates, Stribling Whites Hargett, Allison Lott Miller.
3
PAGE
4
Thoughts, Words, & Deeds
THOUGHTS, WORDS, & DEEDS
"The Speaker's Series Committee is pleased to announce the plans for 2013 "Thoughts, Words and Deeds." On January 18 and 19, Robert Benson of Nashville will join us to discuss his books on the contemplative life and constant prayer. In his online biography, he summarizes his work: I write two kinds of books about one thing: paying attention. I write about paying attention for the things that can point us to the Sacred in our lives. About the longings that we have for home and community and a sense of belonging in our lives. About practice and ritual and work and contemplation and the way that such things can be constant reminders of who we are and who we are to become.
ROBERT BENSON JANUARY 18 & 19, 2012
One kind of book that I write is overtly religious. They are books that are written for readers who are interested in discussing such things in the traditional language that the Church uses the language of spirituality and prayer and liturgy, the language of religion. The second kind of book is less overtly religious. They are written to try and discover the holy, if you will, that is to be found in the ordinary. They are written about more general subjects, everything from base ball to gardening to travel. More details to follow, but please do make plans to join us for a thoughtful winter weekend with Robert Benson.
400 Howard St. Greenwood, MS 38930
Established May 24, 1881
The Rt. Rev. Duncan M. Gray III, IX Bishop of Mississippi DATES TO REMEMBER:
August 12 — Family-style breakfast and Sunday School Kick-off
August 19 — EYC begins!
August 26 — The Rt. Rev. Larry Maze leads worship, potluck luncheon to follow
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;
Greenwood, Mississippi A U G U S T
Meeting with Linda Nelson Dear Fellow Nativity Members, Please allow me to update you on our weekend activities with Linda Nelson. While Linda is based in New Orleans, the Mississippi Diocese has assigned her to assist us in our time of transition. She will offer guidance as we go through the Priest in Charge process to select a new spiritual leader for Nativity.
Church members gather together at a luncheon to celebrate the visit of The Rev. Watson Lamb
I have included below two recaps graciously prepared by Mary Carol Miller. The first is from a session that Linda led with your vestry during the evening of Friday, July 27. The second is a recap of the session she lead with our membership during the morning of Saturday, July 28. I am pleased to report that 55 Nativity members participated in this session. If your schedule did not allow you to attend Saturday morning, I hope that you can drop by the church office and fill out a questionnaire, or contact me and I’ll send one to you. That way your voice can be added to the conversation. As a reminder, your vestry has a sub-committee that is focusing on the Priest in Charge process. Their primary task right now is completing our parish profile that we will use to communicate the strengths of Nativity and Greenwood to potential applicants. The members of the sub-committee are: Lark Brown, Tish Goodman, Frances Lavelle, Cyndi Saia, Mike Carter, Harris Powers, Lance Mohamed, and Bill Andrews, ex officio. While going through the Priest in Charge process, your vestry is also concentrating on the five major goals we outlined for ourselves in 2011. 1.
To continue to build a viable youth ministry;
2.
To take steps to build a more viable ministry with children;
not grow weary,
3.
To build a viable ministry with younger adults;
they will walk
4.
To take steps to reduce our capital campaign debt; and
and not be faint.
5.
To expand our reach in pastoral care for all our members.
they will run and
Isaiah 40:31
2 0 1 2
On a personal note, I cannot say thank you enough to all of you who have risen to the occasion in helping out the last couple months. Your dedication to Nativity shows how special our church home is and I am confident that it will be evident to potential priests as they begin to look at Nativity. Sincerely, Bill Andrews Senior Warden
please see pages 2 and 3 for additional information
ng c.
PAGE
A U G U S T
2
2 0 1 2
Vestry Meeting with Linda Nelson, July 27, 2012 Narrative Summary On Friday, July 27, 2012, the Vestry of Church of the Nativity met with facilitator Linda Nelson to discuss the expectations for a new rector. While many potential strengths and weaknesses were considered in the course of the meeting, these six ministry components were ranked as the most critical by the Vestry: 1. A potential rector should be dedicated to the practice of pastoral care, both in crisis situations and in day-to-day ministry for the parish. These expectations should be clearly defined and understood by the rector and the congregation to insure a level of pastoral attention to our needs without an unrealistic demand on the rector’s schedule. 2. A potential rector should strive to understand the unique culture and atmosphere of Greenwood and the Delta and embrace the strengths and opportunities inherent in that culture. The rector should be enthusiastic about life in this community and initiate involvement in whatever elements of the area would be appropriate. 3. A potential rector should respect the traditions of Nativity, both those of an Episcopalian nature and those unique to this congregation, and initiate needed changes with care and concern for the opinions of those affected. Before change is implemented, the rector will attempt to convey the underlying logic behind the change and move the congregation along with sensitivity to long-held practices. 4. A potential rector should function more as a “shepherd” than a “dictator,” endeavoring to build consensus whenever possible as major and minor decisions are made. Recognizing that some decisions fall entirely within the realm of the rector’s discretion and responsibility, the Vestry will expect the rector to welcome reasonable input and strive for a mutually agreeable resolution. 5. A potential rector should be expected to manifest a sense of enjoyment and fulfillment in the practice of preaching and teaching. While every priest will naturally exhibit a unique style of delivering sermons and leading parishioners in spiritual formation, it is anticipated that that individual’s personal spiritual commitment and dedication to the Gospel will be evident to all those affected by their leadership. 6. A potential rector should view Nativity’s congregation as a deep pool of potential talent for Outreach, Youth development and engagement with the many programs within the church. This rector will be actively involved in leading, by example and by delegation, this parish into a more essential role in the spiritual life of Greenwood and the surrounding area.
Worship in August
ECW
August 5 - The Holy Eucharist, Rite I and Rite II with The Rev. Annie Elliot
The ECW fall meeting will be held Wednesday, August 29 at 5:30pm at the Church.
August 12 - Morning Prayer, Rite I. The Holy Eucharist, Rite II with The Rev. Lynn Barker August 19 - Morning Prayer, Rite I and Rite II August 26 - The Holy Eucharist, Rite I and Rite II with The Rt. Rev. Larry Maze
Sunday Breakfast There are still spots left to bring Sunday breakfast! Hurry over to the kitchen to claim your day! For questions contact Frances Knight at 299-6041.
Sunday School Kick-off Sunday school will begin on August 12th with a fun morning full of games and treats! Family-style breakfast will begin at 8:45am, followed by Sunday School at 9:30am. Children’s chapel will begin on Sunday, August 19th Our Sunday School Teachers are: 3yr-5yr: Tish Goodman 1st-2nd grade: Frances Knight 3rd-5th grade: Cyndi Saia and Philip Lawes EYC: Lance Mohamed and Charlie Swayze
EPISCOPAL
CHURCH
OF
THE
PAGE
NATIVITY
Parish Meeting with Linda Nelson, July 28, 2012 Narrative Summary On Saturday morning, July 28, 2012, the parish members of the Church of the Nativity met with facilitator Linda Nelson to discuss their expectations and hopes in the Vestry’s search for a new rector. Fifty-five members were in attendance and they identified a number of attributes which they hoped would be found in potential candidates for this position. These included the following qualities and skills: Rector “shows up,” i.e., is available and involved in times of crisis and for day-to-day pastoral care. Personality balance, whether a natural extrovert or introvert. Spiritual depth Demonstrates strong listening skills Demonstrates basic “people skills” Reverence and respect for both Episcopalian traditions and Nativity traditions, with a commitment to “teaching before change” and a balanced perspective in the liturgy Demonstrating a positive attitude by the rector toward the congregation and the congregation toward the rector Experience in the South and with Mississippi congregations Demonstrates an enthusiasm for and an understanding of young people, including teens and children Serves as a leader who recognizes the leadership skills of others Serves as a consensus builder with the Vestry Open to renewal of Nativity parishioners’ involvement in programs like “Happening,” “Cursillo” and “Kairos.” Supports Diocesan functions and activities and encourages parishioners involvement in those opportunities. Maintains an active involvement in the community, including participation in ecumenical organizations. Those present were presented with a list of 16 attributes which a congregation might seek in a new rector and were asked to vote on the most crucial six elements. After tabulation, the following were listed as the most vital for Nativity’s search, ranked by order of voting totals: 1. Visiting with the congregation 2. Preaching and making the Gospel relevant to parishioners 3. Worship leadership 4. Youth work (defined as all children and teens) 5. Administration and management of the facility and programs 6. Spiritual guidance and formation
EYC update! Earlier in the summer, EYC was able to travel to South Carolina to work with another youth group to build wheel chair ramps for people in need in the Cheraw community. We were so blessed to have Guy Ray on the trip, his kind and giving spirit was appreciated by all. Thank you to the Nativity family for all of your prayers and support for our youth this summer! EYC will kick off the school year at 5pm, Sunday, August 19th! The will be an Acolyte training on Sunday, June 26 during the Sunday School hour. If you have any questions contact Sarah at 503-348-4745 or [email protected]
Prayer List For the Sick: Edna Franklin, Melinda Gwin, Ronnie Rodgers, Whitney Smith, Polly Upshaw, Franklin Ray, Greg Bennett Homebound or Assisted Living: Ann Cook, Orman Gee, Jo Alice Johnson, Rose Mathews, Ruth Meeks, Sis Hughes Silver, Lewis Smith, Dorothy Walker, Joanne Woody. Extended Family & Friends: Jodie Tharp, Mike Harris Sr., Travis Rogers (grandson of Mary Dent) Members: Arnold Smith & Family Expectant Mothers: Jane Gray Bledsoe, Shara Pilch Gates, Stribling Whites Hargett, Allison Lott Miller.
3
PAGE
4
Thoughts, Words, & Deeds
THOUGHTS, WORDS, & DEEDS
"The Speaker's Series Committee is pleased to announce the plans for 2013 "Thoughts, Words and Deeds." On January 18 and 19, Robert Benson of Nashville will join us to discuss his books on the contemplative life and constant prayer. In his online biography, he summarizes his work: I write two kinds of books about one thing: paying attention. I write about paying attention for the things that can point us to the Sacred in our lives. About the longings that we have for home and community and a sense of belonging in our lives. About practice and ritual and work and contemplation and the way that such things can be constant reminders of who we are and who we are to become.
ROBERT BENSON JANUARY 18 & 19, 2012
One kind of book that I write is overtly religious. They are books that are written for readers who are interested in discussing such things in the traditional language that the Church uses the language of spirituality and prayer and liturgy, the language of religion. The second kind of book is less overtly religious. They are written to try and discover the holy, if you will, that is to be found in the ordinary. They are written about more general subjects, everything from base ball to gardening to travel. More details to follow, but please do make plans to join us for a thoughtful winter weekend with Robert Benson.
400 Howard St. Greenwood, MS 38930
