Summer 2012
DeColores, Y’all ! T H E
N E W S L E T T E R
F O R
M I S S I S S I P P I
C U R S I L L O
S U M M E R
UPCOM ING
2 0 1 2
A Message from our Chairman
EVENTS
JUNE 9
“Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lack diligence, be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord” Romans 12: 10-11.
#122 FORTH DAY
JUNE 23 LEADERSHIP
TRAINING
TBD AREA WIDE GRAND ULTREYAS
AUG 25 STAFF TRAINING
SEPT 15 STAFF TRAINING
SEPT 27-30 CURSILLO #123
WELL, June is here and 2012 is 1\2 gone. Where did it go? More importantly, what have we done? Cursillo 122 Weekend is over, and we added 11 new Cursillistas, and a new wrinkle to the weekend. God is full of surprises, which always turn out right. We have some really exciting things coming in the second half of 2012. First the 4th Day for Cursillo #122 is June 9, then Leadership training June 23. Cursillo #123 is Sept. 27, so please be working on sponsorships for it. Also we are planning a State-wide joint Cursillo Sing-a-long. More on that will follow. The above verse from Romans is a compilation of the Cursillo method of Piety, Study, and Action. We live a Christian life, so all can see. We study to make ourselves acceptable, and we spread the Gospel, but all in Love. Please never forget that we are to love the Lord, each other, and our fellow man. If we can do this, the rest is easy.
OCT 27 #123 FORTH DAY
Tell us about your upcoming Ultreya events.. Deadline for next newsletter is Oct 30 Send information to [email protected]
Ultreya, Nick
As we come in to the long su mmer days. Take time to pray for Curs illo #123 and people who yo the u may want to sponsor.
P AGE
2
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of you love. Send forth your spirit and we shall be created and you shall renew the face of the earth. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and every enjoy your consolations; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
You can find us under Mississippi Cursillo.
Insights by Katharine Surkin St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Jackson One of the best things about going through Cursillo weekend is being able to relive it every week at my Group Reunion. I am presently grouping with my third Reunion Group. In my first group, I met with 3
others who all attended our weekend together. We grouped regularly for few weeks, but quickly fizzled out due to other commitments and the relocation to another state of one of our members. My second group was made up of some of the holiest, most spiritual women I have ever met in my life. At first I was a little intimidated having to share with these women, but this Group nurtured, loved, encouraged and supported me during a time in my life when I need just that. Because of this Group, I became more involved in my church and become more accountable to myself. Due to increasing numbers and job changes, I stopped grouping regular with this group. After leaving my second group, I quickly began to miss the connection I always felt when I grouped, but I mostly missed being reminded of why I went through Cursillo in the first place. I needed a group of people to help me remember to live into my Forth Day everyday. One of my closest friend and I often talked about starting a group, but with our
crazy, hectic schedules, we could never find a good time to meet. Someone suggested that we try to group online. Before you turn your nose up at our way of “grouping”, I want you to know t that this group of 6 women had been grouping consistently every Tuesday for three years. I start our email chain on Tuesday morning, and then when everyone has a few minutes to center themselves and think about their actions over the past week and the actions to come in the coming weeks, we respond. Although I do miss face to face interactions, I love that I have found a way to group that fits my schedule. There are no rules to grouping except to group. Grouping is more than saying your reading a book or helped our at Stewpot. Grouping is making a connection with other people who were once on the mountaintop and being reminded daily of why this ministry is so important.
“Without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
Continue on Page 3
June 14-17: Diocese of Texas June 21-24: Diocese of Dallas/Fort Worth
As we are well aware, prayers are a vital part of the Cursillo movement. So here are dates of Cursillo accruing in other dioceses. Please add them to your prayer list.
Aug 9-12:
Diocese of Texas
Sept 6-9:
Diocese of Alabama
Sept 12-19: Diocese of Central Gulf Coast Sept 13-16: Diocese of Dallas/Fort Worth Sept 27-30: Dioceses of MISSISSIPPI, New York, and Oklahoma Oct 11-14: Diocese of West Texas, North Carolina, Florida, Dallas/Fort Worth Oct 25-28: Diocese of Florida, Arkansas, and Central Florida
DECOLORES,
Y’A LL
!
Have you ever wanted to know what goes into a weekend? Are you curious about what happens before the weekend ever starts? Are you interested in being a head cha-cha or a weekend rector? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then do we have a training day for you. P AGE
3
Come to St. Philip’s Church in Jackson on Saturday, June 23 from 8:30 to 2:30 Please RSVP to Nick or Shaula if you plan to attend. This training is required for advanced leadership. Continuation of Reunion Groups
Insights by Marty Dunbar, St. Peter’s, Oxford. It simply never occurred to me not to group. My Cursillo weekend was such a mountain top experience that my only question after the Clausura was, “What next?” The answer , “Group!” I was also fortunate that another of the Cursillistas from Oxford felt the same way I did. We entered our Fourth Day together and have journeyed together ever since. Our weekly meetings stay on track as an honest discussion of recent piety, study, and apostolic action. The sense of accountability gives a framework for my rule of life. The encouragement and affirmation support my spiritual life in a very practical way – even when I find myself in the proverbial valley. I’m aware that some people do not continue to group after the mountaintop experience that is called a Cursillo weekend. It reminds me of the Old Testament story in II Kings, the one where the commander of the Syrian army, Naaman, suffers from a terrible skin disease. He is advised by the prophet Elisha to wash in the Jordan seven times for a cure. The prescription seems too easy, the Jordan too dinky. Namaan refuses. Luckily, a servant convinces Naaman to give it a try. It works! That’s the most important thing I can say about grouping, “It works!”
“Thy word is a lamp to my feet” Psalm 119:105
Insights by Tom Welch, St. Philip’s, Jackson Group Reunion was introduced to my by my sponsors, Guy and Nancy Bowering, months before I attended #64. After all, grouping came before the first Cursillo. Since that time there have been only a few weeks when I didn’t gather with a couple of others. Some come and go. Most develop new groups. “That’s a good thing.” For me, I group with 2-3 guys from another denomination most Fridays at noon. We all have been blessed, we all have had tribulations, we all count on one anther as we try to make a difference in our environments.
Insights from Toni Norman, St. John’s, Ocean Springs I belong to a group that meets on Thursday mornings. The dynamics of the group changes occasionally, all though the core remains the same. Our group currently consist of six women. This works for me, because of the intimacy of a smaller allwomen group, we tend to be more on the same wave length, and nod and murmur in agreement when one of us speaks. At times, one of us will digress, and we don’t feel guilty about taking away from the others. I’s important for me to group for many reasons, but primarily because it keeps me grounded and on track with my devotionals, cements my commitment to Christ, and renews my vow to walk in his way. Grouping also opens my mind to others’ perspectives on reading and topics, that I hadn’t previously considered.
“I will make you fishers of men” Matthew 4:19
Insights by Elizabeth Bush, St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Jackson Since I went through Cursillo #117, I wanted to be a part of a group reunion I asked around, but could not find a group for me. So after searching for a group to join and failing, I felt the Holy Spirit calling me to start a new group. I sent out an email to seven women who I knew had attended Cursillo to come group with me and thankfully five said yes and we now have been grouping for a year. I look forward to sharing with them every Tuesday and I feel as they challenge me to be accountable and strengthen my Christian walk. Cursillo is a part of reunion groups. If you are currently grouping then I say Alleluia. If you are not, I hope what you have been reading encourages you to find a reunion group. As Katharine mention, there are no rules to grouping except that you group.
We give you thanks, Almighty God, for the benefits You have given us. You who live and reign forever and ever. Amen
of my highlights was the unction service. I left a lot of A Cursillista baggage there. It truly was the For three short days in May, I most inspiring and loving time was cloistered at Gray Center in my life. with forty people, only five Ultreya Sue B. #122 whom I know at the onset. I Resurrection-Starkville was apprehensive and nervous. Smiling people took our luggage and directed us to our From The Eyes of rooms. Thus began the adventure of a lifetime, unfold- A Staff Member ing in front of me, one step at a time. Be still and listen. The Love is a verb. Serving as a “real” world was shut out– no cha-cha for Cursillo #122 unequivocally proved this to watch, no phone, no news. me! Action always seemed the Then came the big edict– no easiest part of the Rule of Life, talking! As time passed, the silence called me to listen, to but this experience brought a new understanding of its role pray. I loved it. I wanted more. The next morning we in my spiritual journey. For listened to speakers, discussed those who know me, the what we had heard, ate, sang, fastest way to win me over is to share my love of a list, prayed and laughed. Surely the presence of the Lord was however, when I saw the tasks in this pace. Never in my life to be completed, I began to had I felt so much love. One fear there would be no way to
From The Eyes of
mark off all the items. But a magical thing happened – as the staff worked together and remembered to keep God as our focus, tasks became easy. In fact, rather than becoming exhausted or frustrated, completing these tasks energized me and filled my heart to bursting. This led me to seek out more to do – I was comHear what pelled to find a way to share the love in me – to give this people are gift from God to others. While the weekend may be a taking away sweet memory, the work that from their our hearts led us to do, creatCursillo ing an environment to allow God to work in and through Weekend.. us, continues to fuel me. It is my hope and my prayer that it continues to fuel each of you in your Fourth Day as well. Ultreya, Alison D. #121, #122 St. James– Jackson
Please let me introduce the Rector of Cursillo #123, Adam Gwin. Adam is a life long resident of Natchez and owner of Gwin Fine Furniture. The furniture he builds is so much more than fine, it's beautiful, as great care is given to the type wood selected for the piece, how and where the piece will be used. He talks with the client, he measures, decides which tools will be best to use, and only then does he begin to cut, sand, shave, stain, and turn plain blocks and planks into works of art. Adam and I met while serving on staff at Cursillo 108, just after Katrina, so seven years ago. As I've gotten to know him, I've found him to be a series of juxtapositions: fun but serious, knowledgable but curious, lover of history but appreciates modern conveniences, discerns well but likes to get a little reckless from time to time. However there are two things about Adam I have found can not be contrasted because they are unshakable, his friendship and his faith. I suspect because of his faith, he will let the Holy Spirit lead him as he guides the weekend of 123. Come join Adam and the rest of us who will be at Cursillo #123, September 27-30. It could be fun and serious. Come curious, become knowledgeable. Be discerning and perhaps a little reckless as you deepen your relationship with God; but be assured it will be a fine and beautiful weekend in which you won't help but gain faith and friendship. Barbara Hammer, Head Cha-Cha
Find Applications for participants and staff at www.cursillo.dioms.org .
Mississippi Cursillo’s Secretariat Position
Name
Email
Chairman
Nick Nichols
[email protected]
Vice Chairman
Dave Benway
[email protected]
Treasurer
Julie Breland Goforth
[email protected]
Secretary
Jennet Lacey
[email protected]
3 Day Weekend Rep
Nancy Walsh
[email protected]
Registrar/Pre Cursillo Rep
Shaula Hailey
[email protected]
4th Day Rep
Foley Ranson
[email protected]
Spiritual Director
The Rev. Sam Godfrey
[email protected]
Spiritual Director
The Rev. Mary Berry
[email protected]
N E W S L E T T E R
F O R
M I S S I S S I P P I
C U R S I L L O
S U M M E R
UPCOM ING
2 0 1 2
A Message from our Chairman
EVENTS
JUNE 9
“Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lack diligence, be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord” Romans 12: 10-11.
#122 FORTH DAY
JUNE 23 LEADERSHIP
TRAINING
TBD AREA WIDE GRAND ULTREYAS
AUG 25 STAFF TRAINING
SEPT 15 STAFF TRAINING
SEPT 27-30 CURSILLO #123
WELL, June is here and 2012 is 1\2 gone. Where did it go? More importantly, what have we done? Cursillo 122 Weekend is over, and we added 11 new Cursillistas, and a new wrinkle to the weekend. God is full of surprises, which always turn out right. We have some really exciting things coming in the second half of 2012. First the 4th Day for Cursillo #122 is June 9, then Leadership training June 23. Cursillo #123 is Sept. 27, so please be working on sponsorships for it. Also we are planning a State-wide joint Cursillo Sing-a-long. More on that will follow. The above verse from Romans is a compilation of the Cursillo method of Piety, Study, and Action. We live a Christian life, so all can see. We study to make ourselves acceptable, and we spread the Gospel, but all in Love. Please never forget that we are to love the Lord, each other, and our fellow man. If we can do this, the rest is easy.
OCT 27 #123 FORTH DAY
Tell us about your upcoming Ultreya events.. Deadline for next newsletter is Oct 30 Send information to [email protected]
Ultreya, Nick
As we come in to the long su mmer days. Take time to pray for Curs illo #123 and people who yo the u may want to sponsor.
P AGE
2
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of you love. Send forth your spirit and we shall be created and you shall renew the face of the earth. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and every enjoy your consolations; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
You can find us under Mississippi Cursillo.
Insights by Katharine Surkin St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Jackson One of the best things about going through Cursillo weekend is being able to relive it every week at my Group Reunion. I am presently grouping with my third Reunion Group. In my first group, I met with 3
others who all attended our weekend together. We grouped regularly for few weeks, but quickly fizzled out due to other commitments and the relocation to another state of one of our members. My second group was made up of some of the holiest, most spiritual women I have ever met in my life. At first I was a little intimidated having to share with these women, but this Group nurtured, loved, encouraged and supported me during a time in my life when I need just that. Because of this Group, I became more involved in my church and become more accountable to myself. Due to increasing numbers and job changes, I stopped grouping regular with this group. After leaving my second group, I quickly began to miss the connection I always felt when I grouped, but I mostly missed being reminded of why I went through Cursillo in the first place. I needed a group of people to help me remember to live into my Forth Day everyday. One of my closest friend and I often talked about starting a group, but with our
crazy, hectic schedules, we could never find a good time to meet. Someone suggested that we try to group online. Before you turn your nose up at our way of “grouping”, I want you to know t that this group of 6 women had been grouping consistently every Tuesday for three years. I start our email chain on Tuesday morning, and then when everyone has a few minutes to center themselves and think about their actions over the past week and the actions to come in the coming weeks, we respond. Although I do miss face to face interactions, I love that I have found a way to group that fits my schedule. There are no rules to grouping except to group. Grouping is more than saying your reading a book or helped our at Stewpot. Grouping is making a connection with other people who were once on the mountaintop and being reminded daily of why this ministry is so important.
“Without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
Continue on Page 3
June 14-17: Diocese of Texas June 21-24: Diocese of Dallas/Fort Worth
As we are well aware, prayers are a vital part of the Cursillo movement. So here are dates of Cursillo accruing in other dioceses. Please add them to your prayer list.
Aug 9-12:
Diocese of Texas
Sept 6-9:
Diocese of Alabama
Sept 12-19: Diocese of Central Gulf Coast Sept 13-16: Diocese of Dallas/Fort Worth Sept 27-30: Dioceses of MISSISSIPPI, New York, and Oklahoma Oct 11-14: Diocese of West Texas, North Carolina, Florida, Dallas/Fort Worth Oct 25-28: Diocese of Florida, Arkansas, and Central Florida
DECOLORES,
Y’A LL
!
Have you ever wanted to know what goes into a weekend? Are you curious about what happens before the weekend ever starts? Are you interested in being a head cha-cha or a weekend rector? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then do we have a training day for you. P AGE
3
Come to St. Philip’s Church in Jackson on Saturday, June 23 from 8:30 to 2:30 Please RSVP to Nick or Shaula if you plan to attend. This training is required for advanced leadership. Continuation of Reunion Groups
Insights by Marty Dunbar, St. Peter’s, Oxford. It simply never occurred to me not to group. My Cursillo weekend was such a mountain top experience that my only question after the Clausura was, “What next?” The answer , “Group!” I was also fortunate that another of the Cursillistas from Oxford felt the same way I did. We entered our Fourth Day together and have journeyed together ever since. Our weekly meetings stay on track as an honest discussion of recent piety, study, and apostolic action. The sense of accountability gives a framework for my rule of life. The encouragement and affirmation support my spiritual life in a very practical way – even when I find myself in the proverbial valley. I’m aware that some people do not continue to group after the mountaintop experience that is called a Cursillo weekend. It reminds me of the Old Testament story in II Kings, the one where the commander of the Syrian army, Naaman, suffers from a terrible skin disease. He is advised by the prophet Elisha to wash in the Jordan seven times for a cure. The prescription seems too easy, the Jordan too dinky. Namaan refuses. Luckily, a servant convinces Naaman to give it a try. It works! That’s the most important thing I can say about grouping, “It works!”
“Thy word is a lamp to my feet” Psalm 119:105
Insights by Tom Welch, St. Philip’s, Jackson Group Reunion was introduced to my by my sponsors, Guy and Nancy Bowering, months before I attended #64. After all, grouping came before the first Cursillo. Since that time there have been only a few weeks when I didn’t gather with a couple of others. Some come and go. Most develop new groups. “That’s a good thing.” For me, I group with 2-3 guys from another denomination most Fridays at noon. We all have been blessed, we all have had tribulations, we all count on one anther as we try to make a difference in our environments.
Insights from Toni Norman, St. John’s, Ocean Springs I belong to a group that meets on Thursday mornings. The dynamics of the group changes occasionally, all though the core remains the same. Our group currently consist of six women. This works for me, because of the intimacy of a smaller allwomen group, we tend to be more on the same wave length, and nod and murmur in agreement when one of us speaks. At times, one of us will digress, and we don’t feel guilty about taking away from the others. I’s important for me to group for many reasons, but primarily because it keeps me grounded and on track with my devotionals, cements my commitment to Christ, and renews my vow to walk in his way. Grouping also opens my mind to others’ perspectives on reading and topics, that I hadn’t previously considered.
“I will make you fishers of men” Matthew 4:19
Insights by Elizabeth Bush, St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Jackson Since I went through Cursillo #117, I wanted to be a part of a group reunion I asked around, but could not find a group for me. So after searching for a group to join and failing, I felt the Holy Spirit calling me to start a new group. I sent out an email to seven women who I knew had attended Cursillo to come group with me and thankfully five said yes and we now have been grouping for a year. I look forward to sharing with them every Tuesday and I feel as they challenge me to be accountable and strengthen my Christian walk. Cursillo is a part of reunion groups. If you are currently grouping then I say Alleluia. If you are not, I hope what you have been reading encourages you to find a reunion group. As Katharine mention, there are no rules to grouping except that you group.
We give you thanks, Almighty God, for the benefits You have given us. You who live and reign forever and ever. Amen
of my highlights was the unction service. I left a lot of A Cursillista baggage there. It truly was the For three short days in May, I most inspiring and loving time was cloistered at Gray Center in my life. with forty people, only five Ultreya Sue B. #122 whom I know at the onset. I Resurrection-Starkville was apprehensive and nervous. Smiling people took our luggage and directed us to our From The Eyes of rooms. Thus began the adventure of a lifetime, unfold- A Staff Member ing in front of me, one step at a time. Be still and listen. The Love is a verb. Serving as a “real” world was shut out– no cha-cha for Cursillo #122 unequivocally proved this to watch, no phone, no news. me! Action always seemed the Then came the big edict– no easiest part of the Rule of Life, talking! As time passed, the silence called me to listen, to but this experience brought a new understanding of its role pray. I loved it. I wanted more. The next morning we in my spiritual journey. For listened to speakers, discussed those who know me, the what we had heard, ate, sang, fastest way to win me over is to share my love of a list, prayed and laughed. Surely the presence of the Lord was however, when I saw the tasks in this pace. Never in my life to be completed, I began to had I felt so much love. One fear there would be no way to
From The Eyes of
mark off all the items. But a magical thing happened – as the staff worked together and remembered to keep God as our focus, tasks became easy. In fact, rather than becoming exhausted or frustrated, completing these tasks energized me and filled my heart to bursting. This led me to seek out more to do – I was comHear what pelled to find a way to share the love in me – to give this people are gift from God to others. While the weekend may be a taking away sweet memory, the work that from their our hearts led us to do, creatCursillo ing an environment to allow God to work in and through Weekend.. us, continues to fuel me. It is my hope and my prayer that it continues to fuel each of you in your Fourth Day as well. Ultreya, Alison D. #121, #122 St. James– Jackson
Please let me introduce the Rector of Cursillo #123, Adam Gwin. Adam is a life long resident of Natchez and owner of Gwin Fine Furniture. The furniture he builds is so much more than fine, it's beautiful, as great care is given to the type wood selected for the piece, how and where the piece will be used. He talks with the client, he measures, decides which tools will be best to use, and only then does he begin to cut, sand, shave, stain, and turn plain blocks and planks into works of art. Adam and I met while serving on staff at Cursillo 108, just after Katrina, so seven years ago. As I've gotten to know him, I've found him to be a series of juxtapositions: fun but serious, knowledgable but curious, lover of history but appreciates modern conveniences, discerns well but likes to get a little reckless from time to time. However there are two things about Adam I have found can not be contrasted because they are unshakable, his friendship and his faith. I suspect because of his faith, he will let the Holy Spirit lead him as he guides the weekend of 123. Come join Adam and the rest of us who will be at Cursillo #123, September 27-30. It could be fun and serious. Come curious, become knowledgeable. Be discerning and perhaps a little reckless as you deepen your relationship with God; but be assured it will be a fine and beautiful weekend in which you won't help but gain faith and friendship. Barbara Hammer, Head Cha-Cha
Find Applications for participants and staff at www.cursillo.dioms.org .
Mississippi Cursillo’s Secretariat Position
Name
Chairman
Nick Nichols
[email protected]
Vice Chairman
Dave Benway
[email protected]
Treasurer
Julie Breland Goforth
[email protected]
Secretary
Jennet Lacey
[email protected]
3 Day Weekend Rep
Nancy Walsh
[email protected]
Registrar/Pre Cursillo Rep
Shaula Hailey
[email protected]
4th Day Rep
Foley Ranson
[email protected]
Spiritual Director
The Rev. Sam Godfrey
[email protected]
Spiritual Director
The Rev. Mary Berry
[email protected]
