August, 2010 • Volume 135, Issue No. 8

By Mike ChaneyMississippi Insurance CommissionerAnd State Fire Marshal

As Americans struggle to makesense of the massive federal healthcare overhaul, two groups most affect-ed by the early stage of implementa-tion are children and the elderly.

You might ask: how will healthcare reform affect my family?

The answer is that healthcarereform will affect families differently according totheir circumstances, like income, where they liveand their jobs.

For families that have struggled to pay bills orhaven’t had insurance lately because of the cost,they may have access to coverage in the next fewyears but the cost may still be prohibitive.

And, for a lot of Americans, health care reformmay also mean higher taxes, coming pretty quickly.

The reform prohibits insurers from excludingfrom coverage children with pre-existing health con-ditions - to take effect immediately. All others with

pre-existing conditions are protectedbeginning 2014.

Also, dependent children up toage 26 will be able to stay on their par-ents’ family policy. In the past thestates have regulated this and in gener-al have set age 18 as the usual age forchildren to leave a parent’s policy.

This phase of healthcare reformwill not affect the current Children’sHealth Insurance Program (CHIP)until 2014.

Senior citizens also worry about the effect thereform may have on them. These citizens usuallyuse the health care system more than younger peo-ple and often have less money.

In general, some seniors may lose someMedicare benefits they now enjoy while others willgain from a better Medicare drug program.

Under the new law, government payments toMedicare Advantage, which offers extra benefits, willbe cut. The bill does not contain cuts to traditionalMedicare benefits but does cut some payments tophysicians, home health care and certain hospital

benefits, which, in turn, limits access to healthcare.However, the bill will help the current

Medicare prescription-drug users by addressing partof its “doughnut hole” problem. As it has been thelast few years, after a senior citizen spent $2,700 ondrugs in a year, coverage stops until that senior hadspent $6,154 on drugs. After that threshold, cover-age begins again.

But, starting this year, senior citizens affectedby the doughnut hole will get $250 from the gov-ernment to help. After this year, the governmentwill increase the percentage of drug costs it pays upto the year 2020, when the government will pay upto 75 percent of senior’s drug costs between $2,700and $6,154.

Medicare will also begin to pick up the tab forannual wellness visits.

The Mississippi Insurance Department doesnot regulate health care or federal health care pro-grams. For more information go tohttp://www.healthcare.gov.

Mike Chaney is a communicant of Christ Church,Vicksburg.

By Scott LenoirMission on the Bay Director

and Chaplain, the Rev ElizabethWheatly-Jones, invites all who havesupported LESM’s Coast recoverycamps through prayer, volunteer-ing and provision of resourcest toattend a service of thanksgiving tomark the closing of the camp.

“All are invited to join BishopGray and mark the closing of thecamp and the end of a season inministry,” said Wheatley-Jones.

The Celebration ofThanksgiving for the ministries ofMission on the Bay and CampCoast Care will be Saturday, August14th at 5 p.m. at the “new” Missionon the Bay at 647 DeMontluzinStreet in Bay St. Louis.

If possible, please RSVPthrough volunteer concierge,Lindsay Asker by calling 228-466-2900. Asker’s email address islasker@lesm.org.

Closing Eucharistannounced at

Mission On the Bay

EpiscopalServices inMississippi

Lutheran

By Tom Fortner

The Annual Council for the EpiscopalDiocese of Mississippi will be held Jan. 28-30,2011 at the gleaming new Jackson ConventionComplex. Hosts for this year’s Council areJackson metro area parishes St. James’, St. Columb’s, St. Mark’s and St. Alexis’.

A lot has changed in the “city with soul”since 2000, the last time the Council was held inJackson. Organizers are taking full advantage ofthose changes, with events planned for the mag-nificently refurbished King Edward Hotel and anew “Mission Marketplace” for exhibitors and ven-dors set for the convention complex.

The 330,000-square-foot complex, the focalpoint for Jackson’s downtown renaissance, will bethe headquarters for all Council activities begin-ning Friday afternoon and culminating in aSunday morning service that will drawEpiscopalians from all corners of the state.

A new feature this year, Mission Marketplace,will provide a venue for exhibitors to share infor-mation about different ministries within theEpiscopal Church and for craftsmen to offer pot-tery, jewelry, stained glass and other items forsale. Interested exhibitors or vendors can emailEmily Salmon (Esalmon1@aol.com) to register.

Shuttle service will run continuously between the convention complex andthree official Council hotels nearby — the King Edward, the Marriott and theRoberts Walthall. “The King,” an historic Jackson landmark that has been com-pletely renovated, will be the scene of a Friday evening wine and cheese eventand a Sunday jazz brunch.

For those not taking advantage of Jackson’s eclectic mix of fine restaurants,a Saturday night barbeque at St. James’ will feature live music from the parish’sown Hunter Gibson and the Gators and soul-satisfying “cue” from the Bishop’sBarbeque Chefs.

Tom Fortner is a communicant of St. James’ in Jackson and a member of theAnnual Council Committee.

Mike Chaney

Healthcare reform to affect families differently

The Jackson Convention Complex (Courtesy of the JCC and Sheridan Photography)

Don’t Miss This: Council 2011 in Jackson

2 The Mississippi Episcopalian

OUR DIOCESE

August 2010

It’s late afternoon onAugust 1 as I write this-the first day of what I con-sider the worst month ofthe year. As we approachthe fifth anniversary ofthe most horrible memorywe all have down here on

the Coast, we are grateful that we have beenblessed so far this season with a “fizzle” namedBonnie that just may have helped, in its own pecu-liar way, to clean up the worst man-made disasterwe’ve ever seen. We still don’t know for certainwhat the outcome of the Deepwater Horizon-BP oilrig explosion will be and it may be years before wedo.

As a journalist and university journalisminstructor, I watch with keen interest what leadsthe newspaper and the evening news, both localand national, each day. It has been more than 100days since oil first began gushing into our beautifulGulf waters, since we began seeing birds fouledand unable to fly become completely dependent onthe rescuers who managed to capture them andtake them to safe haven where they have beenrehabbed and released back into what we musthope are better conditions. Finally, the story hasslipped below the fold in the local paper and othernews events are more frequently claiming topattention on the evening TV news. Please pray forall of us here who daily watch the folks in haz-matsuits shovel tar balls into plastic bags and haulthem away. Yesterday, sailboats dotted the horizon,a welcome sight as it indicates the oil wash may beabating. The Sound waters have reopened to fish-ing and keeping the catch, another indicator thatwe could reclaim at least part of this seafood har-vest season that means so much to those who owetheir livelihoods to the Gulf of Mexico.

It is summer-and a hot one with daily temper-atures in the 100 degree range. Newsletters havecome infrequently, so what all of you are actuallydoing will not make it into this column. However,my bet is that September’s will be a whopper!

At Mediator, Meridian, children attendingchurch camp and praying for the wildlife affectedby the oil disaster, collected $100 to be sent to theNational Audubon Society for use in its rescueefforts.

All Saints’, Tupelo, continues the celebra-tion of its 140th anniversary with a recital byJacqueline Coale, soprano, a native of Biloxi, com-bined with the Order for Compline August 15.

EFM (Education for Ministry) groups, both

new and continuing, will be revving up again soon.Among those parishes sponsoring them: St. James’, Greenville; St. Mark’s, Gulfport; St.Patrick’s, Long Beach; and All Saints’, Tupelo.

St. Peter’s by-the-Lake, Brandon, is formingan ECW in the Fall and planning a parish outing on“The Friendship II Houseboat,” a large double-decker catamaran, in September on the RossBarnett Reservoir.

St. Peter’s by-the-Sea, Gulfport, will beginits Aiden Sullivan Children’s Community Choir inSeptember for children ages 1st-5th grades. Theparish also plans to participate in the annualAmerican Heart Association’s Heartwalk in October.

NOTABLE QUOTES...“It was Ambrose who in the fourth century

made hymns popular. Troubled that in the Massone individual sang all the psalms and hymns whilethe congregation merely listened, he introducedantiphonal singing, which allowed the congrega-tion to sing alternating parts of the music.”(Grace,Canton)...”When I asked the Vestry a few monthsago how we should mark this upcoming anniver-sary (of Hurricane Katrina), they were mostadamant. We offer a simple prayer of thanksgivingand celebrate our life together and we move on.”(St. Peter’s by-the-Sea, Gulfport).

“On August 29, 2005, I believe we began theprocess of becoming new people. Notice I didn’tsay re-newed people. Matter of fact, I’ve tried reallyhard not to use the ‘re’ prefix in any way: notrecovery, rebuilding, resurgence, re...God is withus as we become a new people in a newworld...Please begin now to reflect on the way Godhas been a part of you becoming a new personsince the storm...Then ask yourself: What gifts,skills and talents has God given me? What area ofministry do I feel called to be a part of?”(St. John’s, Pascagoula.)

And, from Epiphany, Tunica, some Christianbumper sticker humor: “Tithe if you love Jesus!Anyone can honk!; Don’t give up. Moses was oncea basket case.; and...God answers knee-mail.”

Notes & QuotesBy Maria Watson

The Mississippi Episcopalian (USPS 024755) is published monthly by the Episcopal Diocese ofMississippi, 118 N. Congress St., Jackson, MS 39201. Periodical postage paid at Jackson, MS.POSTMASTER: Send change of address to the Mississippi Episcopalian, P.O. Box 23107,Jackson, MS 39225-3107. In giving changes of address send the old address as well as thenew. We cannot be responsible for the return of manuscripts or photographs.

Official news organ of the Bishop and the Diocese of Mississippi118 N. Congress Street - P.O. Box 23107

Jackson, Mississippi 39225-3107

The Rt. Rev. Duncan M. Gray IIINinth Bishop of Mississippi

The Rev. Scott LenoirEditor

Continually published for 132 years in the Diocese of Mississippi

The propers for this morning, the 10th Sunday after Pentecost,were about greed and vanities. These are two very closely relatedthings. Our egos and society tell us that we must have more and morestuff, yet if we think about it the collection of stuff is truly a vanity. Weare also greedy about our time. We want to have much more timethan is available in a given week. That also is a vanity. So, how dowe reconcile these things we desire into something which is a realityand not a vanity. Prioritizing our time is one solution to the “timegreed.” The Rev. Laura Gettys, Associate Rector of St. Peter’s. Oxford,had these words this time last year. They are still pertinent.

August is the month in which the school year begins and we move into the Fall schedule - thetime in which we give thanks for the Summer rhythms and now turn to those which have us think-ing about school supplies, football games, and Sunday school. I am grateful for each season andam aware of so many ministries and activities that resume here at St. Peter’s.

The Fall feels like a clean page of paper, waiting to be written on, just waiting to be filledwith both new and familiar activities. So much is yet to be! How exciting! So, now is an excellenttime to take inventory on what and where we will commit our time, energy, and resources for thedays and months to come. Keep in mind there are only twenty-four hours in a day!

So where do I begin, you ask? First, name four areas of priority, family, work, church, etc.Keeping these in mind, then ask yourself three questions: 1) How will I share my gifts and my timethis year? 2) Where are the places that restore and feed me? And, lastly, 3) What does balancing theabove questions look like for me? This last question of balance is especially important. Too muchgiving of self leaves us stretched too thin and feeling “burned out”; too much “being” without“doing” leaves us self-absorbed and disconnected to the wider community.

There is prudence in knowing why I say “yes” and why I say “no” to the daily invitations thatcome our way. Agreeing to a commitment so that I look good or competent is never a good rea-son, nor is having to turn down an invitation that might have been very rewarding because you’veover-committed without careful discernment. We do well to remember that saying “yes” to onething means saying “no” to something else - whether you explicitly say “no” or not.

The spiritual lessons here are rich, of course. We are not God. We cannot do everything.Thanks be to God! God desires us to not only live into our fullest potential but also into our limi-tations as well. Living more in one than the other jeopardizes balance of family and communitylife. How we go about living deeply and thoughtfully requires prayer and reflection.

So how will you balance your “Yes’s” and “No’s” this fall?

By Denny Allman

Ring Around the Collar

A date to remember: Tuesday, September 7Deadline for The Mississippi Episcopalian. Send stories and photos to slenoir1@comcast.net

August 2010

OUR DIOCESE

The Mississippi Episcopalian 3

June 13 – Free Sunday in the midst of a vacationbreak. Kathy, Tabitha and I attend St. Andrew’sCathedral in the morning.

June 14 – Vacation at home.

June 15 – Vacation at home.

June 16 – Vacation at home.

June 17 – Vacation time at home as I quietlymark my tenth anniversary as a bishop. It’s beenan extraordinary journey.

June 18 – Vacation at home.

June 19 – Vacation at home.

June 20 – After worship at St. Andrew’s, I markFather’s Day with lunch with my father andmother. Kathy provides the meal as we cater tothem in their home.

June 21 – Back in the office to begin catchingup on back log of correspondence.

June 22 – In office all day, Staff meetingsthroughout the mornings. Afternoon sessionwith the Rev. Annie Cumberland to discuss widerange of matters relating to youth ministry.

June 23 – Productive morning meeting with theRev. Jennifer Deaton and Bill Horne to discussthe developing ministry of the Center forFormation and Mission at Gray Center.

Mid-day session with the Task Force onRacial Reconciliation as a vision for the next sev-eral years begins to take place.

Late afternoon appointment with Ms. JosieWilliams. Travel to Hattiesburg for annual meet-ing with the vestry of Trinity Church where wehave a very good conversation about the state ofthe parish and its ongoing development. Hometo Jackson late.

June 24 – In office most of the day. Later after-noon, I drive to Gray Center to visit with thecampers and staff of Camp Caritas. This remark-able ministry of our church to children whoseparents are incarcerated is transformational inways that are remarkable. Great spirit and excite-ment in the closing night activities.

During my time at Gray Center, I informallyvisit with some of the early staff arrivals for ourCooperative College for CongregationalDevelopment.

June 25 – In office in the morning, then out toGray Center at lunch to formally welcome thestaff of our Cooperative College forCongregational Development. This extraordinaryproject, the product of two years of cooperativeefforts among seven southeastern dioceses, has a

full house registered for the eight day, first yearcourse at Gray Center. They will be given in-depth training on congregational growth anddevelopment from the best resources in theEpiscopal Church.

What a pleasure it is to welcome the group,facilitated by our own Canon David Johnson, toMississippi.

Return to Jackson for meeting with JohnJuarwel who gives me a report on the recentmeeting of the American Friends of theEpiscopal Church of the Sudan. Late afternoonappointment with Gabriel Poncho.

June 26 – Drive out to Gray Center to formallywelcome the participants to the CooperativeCollege for Congregational Development.

June 27 – Drive to Inverness for annual visita-tion to All Saints’ Church. Appreciate the faithful-ness and witness of this small congregation.Preach, celebrate and confirm one at All Saints’,followed by a delightful lunch and good fellow-ship.

Excuse myself from lunch so I can return toSt. Andrew’s Cathedral for the ordination ofChris Robinson to the diaconate. It was good tosee many former Mississippians at the ordina-tion, including the Rev. Joe Robinson, Chris’father and former dean of the Cathedral. Chrishas been assigned as deacon-in-charge of Churchof the Mediator-Redeemer, McComb andMagnolia.

June 28 – Day off spent mostly with Tabitha atHinds Community College as she gets ready forthe fall.

June 29 – Staff meetings in the morning. Lunchwith Dr. Greg Miller and several Sudanese youngmen to reflect on my recent trip to Sudan and toseek their advice and counsel on our next stepsin our relationship with the Diocese of TwicEast.

In the office the rest of the day. Afternoonappointment with the Rev. Deacon CarolStewart.

The Bishop’s JournalFAITHFUL DEPARTED

Lamar Paul Franklin, Sr., 89, communicant of Creator, Clinton, died May 20, 2010.

Jennie Ellis Schmitz, 58, communicant of St George’s, Clarksdale, died March 6, 2010.

Gwendolyn B. Covington, 89, communicant of Mediator-Redeemer, McComb, died June 18,2010.

Loree’ Fondren Jones Myers, 92, communicant of St. Pierre’s, Gautier, and Daughter of theKing, died June 29th, 2010.

Martha (Pi) Stribling Dale, 66, communicant of Advent, Sumner, died July 12, 2010.

Robert (Bob) Cornelius Grider, III, 71, communicant of St. James’, Jackson, died July 15, 2010.

Arch Francis Bruntlett, 85, communicant of St. James’, Jackson, died July 28, 2010.

4 The Mississippi Episcopalian August 2010

By Scott Lenoir[Way Road] “Can I come back next year?” This question was heard more than once by parents at the end

Camp Bratton-Green’s First Camp last July.First Camp is an introductory camping weekend at Bratton-Green for first and second graders. The ses-

sion begins on a Friday and ends Sunday morning after the closing Holy Eucharist in the outdoor chapel.Other than the length of the session, another difference is that one parent, grandparent or guardian must

be present the entire session.“For these youngest of campers, it’s important that a mom or dad be nearby in case their child needs

them for anything, but we place all children in a cabin with counselors just like the regular sessions,” saidBishop Gray III who was the director of this year’s First Camp.

Bill Horne said that First Camp has been a part of the Bratton-Green schedule since he signed on as GrayCenter’s Executive Director five years ago. “Having a unique camp like this was believed by several on theBoard of Managers to be a good idea. It gives parents and children alike a chance to see what Bratton-Greenis all about.”

New at First Camp this year was Duncan Gray IV’s idea of having teens get some on the job training ascounselors.

“In an effort to build up our training of counselors, we’re using First Camp as a sort of field work foryoung counselors. I’ve done that at many camps,” said Gray IV, “ but I’ve never done it with First Camp.”

Gray IV is the chairman of the Board of Managers Program Committee which oversees the camping ses-sions. The camping season is officially over as of August 1st and Gray IV reports that the camping statistics arethe highest they’ve been in five years. “This hasbeen an extremely successful summer from anattendance standpoint.”

“I’m thrilled with the entire summer,” saidBishop Gray, “ and especially with First Camp.We had more campers and counselors-in-trainingthan we anticipated and I’m excited about theirmotivation.”

For more information on Camp Bratton-Green log on to www.graycenter.dioms.org.Remember that online registration is available forcamp and other events help at Gray Center.

First Camp brings younger children in touch with Bratton-Green experience

Permanent Staff doing their Permie lunch thing at First Camp.

New friends: one of the great benefits of being a camper atBratton-Green.

As always, a closing Eucharist marks the end of camp.

It took one camper awhile to trust the ropes course’s high jump, but she did and it was a fantastic ride. One of the nice things before going to bed every night: milk and cookies.

This photographer waited patiently forBishop Gray’s big catch. He is surelybetter fisher of men than fish.

A determinedcamper seeks agame chip froman “elephant” inthe Safari Gameat First Camp.

CAMP

The Mississippi Episcopalian 5

OUR DIOCESE

August 2010

By Mary Nell Prichard

St. James’ Episcopal Church in Jackson, MS will offer a Catechesis of the Good Shepherd(CGS) Level I Formation Course for adults on Saturdays beginning August 28.

CGS is an approach to the religious formation of children 3 to 12 years old. Based on thebelief that young children can and do experience God, CGS is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy ofthe church and educational principles which honor the dignity of the child.

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd occurs in a specially prepared environment called anatrium. Assisted by an adult catechist, children use hands on materials to explore and reflect onscripture, prayer and liturgical events. Together children and adults meditate on the great myster-ies of the Christian faith.

Through the Level I course, parents, clergy and religious educators are immersed in theyoung child’s approach to God which is characterized by wonder, joy and thanksgiving. Level I isthe foundation for adults desiring to be catechists. Upon completion of the Level I Course, partici-pants will have received the entire catechetical work for 3 to 6 year old children and will receive acertificate from the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

In addition to receiving all of the works given to children, adults taking this course willexplore the methodology and guiding principles of the CGS and will explore the spiritual natureand the vital needs of the 3-6 year old. Participants will receive guidance and assistance in prepar-ing their own atrium.

The course will meet on Saturdays beginning August 28th and ending May 7, 2011. For a reg-istration form, visit www.stjjax.org and click on the Good Shepherd icon or contact Mary NellPrichard at mprichard@stjjax.org for more info.

Mary Nell Prichard is the Director of Christian Education at St. James’ in Jackson.

Catechesis Of The Good Shepherd AdultCourse Offered At St. James’ Jackson

In the atrium children gather around a small altar to learn about the bread, wine, the paten, andchalice as well as other aspects of the Holy Eucharist taught in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

BILL KING BILL YOUNGBLOOD

601-953-2847

2011 HMM leaders visit Honduras in JuneBy Scott Lenoir

In order to prepare for the 2011 Honduras Medical Mission leaders of the team and committeevisited Honduras last June.

The 2010 mission was plagued by problems with a tropical storm that delayed shipping themedical supplies last year as well as by the Honduras government. A small group of leaders did arecon mission in June to explore ways the mission could improve.

“We determined that we wanted to try to find out what options there were to buy more sup-plies in the country as opposed to shipping supplies into Honduras. We thought we could savemoney and not have to deal with going through customs,” said Chris Scott, the Co-Chair of the 2010-2011 HMM.

Scott also said the group met with leaders in San Joaquin, the home base of operations for themission. The meetings were primarily concerned with improving the infrastructure and discussionexplored the possibilities of erecting another building next to the women’s dormitory for storage andsleeping. Also discussed was making an addition to the medical clinic to house more doctors.

The building which houses Kinder Mississippi, a pre-school Christian education and feedingprogram which now accepts all school age children, was damaged in a storm during the 2010 mis-sion. The leadership team saw that repairs to the Kinder Mississippi building were ongoing.

Scott reports that the water purification system that was installed for the village in February isstill up and running. Pure water for those who live in San Joaquin means better health for the com-munity by reducing the ingestion of parasites.

Every visit to Honduras the team gives an “Adios Parasitos” dose to all who visit for medicaltreatment. With the advent of pure water in San Joaquin, the locals won’t have as much of a problemas in the past.

One new aspect to the mission may develop in the coming year according to Scott. A programexists in the Santa Barbara region which teaches people how to sew and make income from theirwork.

The Rev. Hector Madrid, one of the priests in charge of several churches in Santa Barbara whichincludes San Joaquin, may help with the effort. Madrid’s wife began the sewing machine ministry inthe region. Women learn how to sew and make different crafts that provide an income source. Thewomen in San Joaquin are interested in learning how to sew curtains, bedspreads and quilts.

Scott said he hopes there will be an effort to raise money to buy sewing machines this year forpeople in San Joaquin similar to the same separate fund raising that went on which bought the waterpurification system last year.

Deborah Hanson, the Chairman of the HMM Committee, said that the group met with a doctorfrom the Department of Public Health for the Santa Barbara region. “He gave us information as tothe major types of health problems that are seen in Honduras and we discussed how we can worktogether to help improve the overall health of those we serve,” said Hanson.

Those making the trip were Chris Scott, the 2010 Team Co-chair and communicant at Chapel ofthe Cross, Madison; Deborah Hanson, President of the HMM Committee; Kathy Kvam, St. Peter’sOxford; Stephanie Scott, Chapel of the Cross, Madison; and Joan Senteney of Jackson.

To learn more about the Honduras Medical Mission, log on towww.hondurasmedicalmisson.net.

6 The Mississippi Episcopalian

OUR DIOCESE

August 2010

By Janet C. Nail

What are yougoing to be when yougrow up?

My mother decid-ed, when I was aboutten years old, that I was

going to be a doctor. I had no aptitude for mathor science, so I don’t know where this decisioncame from, but she grimly pursued it. She was avery determined woman; she even went down tothe high school when I was a junior and addedchemistry to my schedule, eliminating physicaleducation.

I knew when I was beaten.I surrendered until I got to college, when I

encountered zoology. I was not a shining star;in fact, I barely passed.

Acting on my own, I rather daringly wentover and changed my major to EnglishLiterature. After all, I really wanted to read for aliving!

Recently I encountered a book that sup-ported my decision; A LIFE AT WORK by ThomasMoore (Broadway Books, 2008). It is a bookabout the search for a life work-not just a job,but an activity or group of activities that givesyou a sense of meaning and purpose. It is abook about the spirit and soul of work, and itprovides the reader with ideas for hearing thecall and doing what he/she was born to do.

This is a different approach to finding one’slife work. It is aimed at the retired, the execu-tive, the dissatisfied professional as well as thosein high school and college. It is less a book

about identifying one’s talents and aptitudesthan about finding one’s soul.

The book begins with a discourse on alche-my. This is less about the venal search for a wayto turn dross into gold than about the process oflearning how to create a life, a soul. Thealchemist pours in all the materials, subjects it toconstant heat, and he prays. He will continue torefine his material until he has a clear product.

According to Moore, finding one’s life workis akin to the alchemist’s opus. One takes every-thing in his life into the process; nothing is tooinsignificant to be valuable. Then, he goes deep-er than he feels he ought to go. Everything isconnected. After all, the searcher is notindulging in the ordinary job hunt of career test-ing, interviewing, experimenting with differentjobs.

The moralistic view of searching for life’swork is that one should make good money, usehis talents, get more education, have objectives,set goals, and stick to a plan. The problem withthis is that it leaves no room for creativity.. And,according to Jung, stifling one’s creativity leadsto dissatisfaction.

The path to creativity in finding life work isillustrated by Moore in the story of Mahud.Mahud was a simple man, making a living grow-ing vegetables. Then the angel Khabir calls himto leave. He follows the angel’s call, movingfrom place to place, learning from many people,working at various jobs, until he returns to hishome, where he is revered as a holy man. Hisonly gift is an openness to the angel’s directives.

The only way to discern a call-a vocation, asit were-is to listen. Yet we do not listen, or yet,

we refuse to hear. We are resistant to changeeven as we declare we want it. Moore details hislife path; he was a monk, a teacher, a musician, atherapist, a writer. His life path moved as hisvision grew, as he listened to the call.

Searching for life’s work involves both souland spirit. Moore explains that these are con-nected, yet different. Soul is the depth of one’sbeing; it is formed of memories and history.Spirit is the energy that drives you; it moves for-ward and inspires growth, adventure, experi-ment, advance and discovery.

Moore claims that there are two problemsin finding one’s life work: floundering in confu-sion and feeling stuck in success. He encour-ages seekers to pay serious attention to thedevelopment of one’s character and the cultiva-tion of a soulful life. Sometimes the life workappears as a glimmer in the dark mist of trouble.One should focus on it, trust it and let it takeyou into your future. By trusting this gleam oflight, one can move past floundering or take aleap of faith out of a successful, yet stiflingcareer.

Although we are a culture obsessed withyouth, we lack the Icarus-spirit, true EternalYouth. This is the sense of idealism, inventive-ness, and enthusiasm that leads to new ideasand innovations. This spirit must also begrounded or it becomes unrealistic, wishful, andnarcissistic, like the author who has a filing cabi-net full of opening chapters but who never fin-ishes anything!

In contrast to Icarus, many of us are likeSaturn, who is pictured in mythology and art asa gloomy depressed figure with his head in his

hands. He is the messenger of work hard, fol-low directions, obey authorities and traditions.In fact, we need a synthesis of the two in orderto develop fully.

Finally, we must nurture our daimon, theprimal creative urge so that we seek a path, notjust a job. Sometimes this daimon appears as anantithetical self, pulling us away from a directionwe would normally follow; W.B. Yeats acknowl-edged this tension as the source of creativity.This is the passion we bring to our life work.

Finally, Moore asserts that we must lovewhat we do. The accountant who finds joy innumbers and spread sheets, the cook who revelsin a creamy sauce, the librarian who delights infinding the right book for a child-all are follow-ing their bliss. They know that they have foundtheir life work because they hardly see it aswork.

But this is not the end. As we grow andchange, we may move on to another life work.The task is always to listen, to be open to anoth-er call.

Reading this book with the youth group orthe young adult class would be a treasure hunt.And you may want to supplement it with theprogram EXPLORING GOD’S PURPOSE FORYOUR LIFE. This dvd features six lessons inwhich students begin to learn how to exploreGod’s call. Sessions include discussion, Biblereading, and small group interaction.

To borrow this book or program, e-mail meat grandmastruck1994@yahoo.com, or call me at882-998-2327. Be warned; the book is fallingapart, but I will be glad to share it.

And by the way, as a librarian I could readfor a living; and I could share my love of readingwith the children. I found my bliss by accident,but I have never regretted it.

Book addresses discernment of life’s call

Rooted in PrayerFall offerings from the Center for Formation and Mission

of the Episcopal Diocese of MississippiAll offerings will take place at Gray Center

Crossing Thresholds, co-sponsored with Journey PartnersSeptember 23-25We often find ourselves at thresholds in our lives that God is inviting us to cross. At thesecrossings, aspects of our lives begin, end, or simply change. At what threshold do you findyourself? Join us in silent retreat and listen for God’s invitation to you... Rest in a schedulethat allows time for solitude and community, for worship, for art, for learning spiritual disci-plines.. Jane Watts and Gay Yerger will serve as retreat leaders and spiritual directors for theweekend. Cost: $210

Benedict’s Sacred ReadingDecember 3-4Join other participants for an exploration of Benedictine thought and practice. The ReverendAlston Johnson will coordinate the weekend. Cost: TBA

Knitting and CrochetingDecember 3-5Knitters and crocheters (beginners welcome!) gather for needlework, prayer and reflection, tomarvel with Mary over God’s promise to become Emmanuel, God-with-us. Susan Nix andJennifer Deaton will coordinate the weekend. Cost: TBA

Register for these events at http://www.dioms.org/digital_faith/events/ For more information,or to share your thoughts and hopes for future CfFM events, please contact The ReverendJennifer Deaton, Chair of the CfFM Program Committee, at deatonj@gosaints.org

Susie

Hath

away

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to With a backdrop of “thevast expanse of interstellar-space” (BCP p.370)Redeemer, Biloxi’s 2010 VBSstudents learned aboutGod’s creation and focusedon how they could be cre-ative too. Pictured aresome of the participants ina science section. Music,dancing, singing, and origa-mi were also a part of theweek’s activity which wascoupled with learning theBibilical stories of creation,the nativity, Jesus’s baptismand the Last Supper.

AUGUST15• Bishop Gray visits: Redeemer, Biloxi - 10:15 a.m.

• Bishop Gray visits: St. Pierre’s, Gautier - 5:30 p.m.

18• Bishop Gray visits: Chapel of the Cross, Rolling Fork - 6:00 p.m.

19•Diocesan Finance Committee - 11:30 a.m. -3:30 p.m., St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Jackson

20-21• Adults Working With Youth (AWWY), GrayCenter, Canton

27-29• “Thus Far, By Faith - A Conversation onPartnering with God” Spiritual Renewal Retreatfor LGBT Persons, Gray Center, Canton

29• Bishop Gray visits: St. Paul’s, Meridian - 10:30 a.m.

• Bishop Gray visits: St. Mary’s, Enterprise - 5:00 p.m.

• Let’s Eat Shrimp for Mississippi - 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., The Cedars, Jackson

31•Diocesan Executive Committee - 11:30 a.m. -3:30 p.m., St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Jackson

SEPTEMBER6• Allin House closed in observance of Labor Day

7•Deadline for submittal to the MississippiEpiscopalian - 12:00 noon

9• Bishop Gray visits: Coast Episcopal School,Long Beach - 8:00 a.m.

10• Racial Reconciliation Task Force - 12:00 noon -2:30 p.m., St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Jackson

10-11•Gray Center Work Weekend, Canton

10-12• Sr. High DOY, Camp Bratton Green, Canton

11•Day on the Diaconate, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., St.Philip’s, Jackson

12• Bishop Gray visits: St. John’s, Pascagoula -10:30 a.m.

12-14• Presbyter Post-Ordination Consultation, GrayCenter, Canton

15-22•House of Bishops

21• Fresh Start, South - 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.,Trinity, Hattiesburg

23• Fresh Start, North - 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., AllSaints’, Tupelo

24• Planning for Tomorrow Conference for LayEmployees, St. James’, Jackson

26• Bishop Gray visits: Mediator/Redeemer,McComb/Magnolia - 10:30 a.m.

• Bishop Gray visits: Holy Trinity, CrystalSprings - 5:00 p.m.

26-29•Domestic Missionary Partners, Gray Center,Canton

28•Gray Center Executive Committee - 5:00 p.m.,Gray Center, Canton

OCTOBER1-3• Presbyters’ Spouses Retreat, Gray Center,Canton

3• Bishop Gray visits: Nativity, Greenwood -10:00 a.m.

• Bishop Gray visits: Grace, Carrollton - 4:00p.m.

5•Deadline for submittal to the MississippiEpiscopalian - 12:00 noon

10• Bishop Gray visits: Holy Trinity, Vicksburg -10:30 a.m.

• Bishop Gray visits: St. James’, Port Gibson -5:00 p.m.

12-15• Clergy Conference

15-16•Gray Center Board, Gray Center, Canton

17• Bishop Gray visits: St. Peter’s, Oxford - 11:00a.m.

• Bishop Gray visits: Calvary, Michigan City - 4:00p.m.

18• Bishop Gray visits: St. Luke’s, Brandon - 6:00p.m.

20• Bishop Gray visits: St. Alexis’, Jackson - 6:30p.m.

20-24• Cursillo #119, Gray Center, Canton

21• Standing Committee - 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.,Allin House, Jackson

24• Bishop Gray visits: Creator, Clinton - 10:30 a.m.

• Bishop Gray at Cursillo Closing Service - 2:30 p.m.

29-31•Happening #72, Nativity, Greenwood

31• Bishop Gray visits All Saints’, Grenada - 10:30 a.m.

DIOCESAN CALENDAR

EVENTS

August 2010 The Mississippi Episcopalian 7

Adults Workingwith YouthConference

Scheduled inAugust

“If there’s one conference an adultyouth minister needs to make, it’s this one,”says the Rev. Annie Cumberland, the YouthCoordinator for the Diocese of Mississippi.

The Adults Working With Youth con-ference runs from August 20 -21 at GrayCenter. Cumberland says that all churchesshould have received applications earlierthis summer. Applications are also availableonline at the diocesan website,www.dioms.org.

“This is our diocese’s time for thoseworking with youth to gather and talkabout best practices and new ideas to helpmake our diocese a better place for ouryouth,” said Cumberland.

MISSION

August 20108 The Mississippi Episcopalian

Editor’s note: This is the second in a series of three articles about a Sudanese mission trip from which Bishop Gray III and Dr. Greg Miller recently returned.

By Greg Miller

“Did you find any windows into heaven amongthe Dinka?” asked Father Trevor Stubbs, the Englishdirector of New Bishop Gwynne Seminary in Juba,Southern Sudan. Trevor and his wife Judy weresharing a meal with U.S. mission teams returningfrom companion dioceses.

“I have never seen such joy among peoplewith so little reason to be joyful,” I answered, andTrevor replied, “Yes! They praise God always. Theydo not depend on anything as given. If Englishschoolboys missed a meal, there would be outrage.Among the Dinka, there is praise always for what isprovided.”

Refugees are returning from refugee camps inKenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda, and many are plant-ing their first crops, including sorghum, from whichthey make paper-thin pink bread as well as a dishwith the consistency of hominy. Last year’s plantingwas not successful, and in the village of Maar, thelarge white tent of the World Food Organizationstands beside the town’s thatch barn. During theheat of the afternoon, I watched Father Danielmeticulously check and recheck for several hoursthe ration tickets again his list of names.

We saw evidence of river blindness amongclergy and laity, an illness caused by parasites andflies in the Nile River Basin. Father Moses also toldme that anyone seriously ill must be carried to thenext town on a sheet (if a sheet is to be had), ajourney of roughly four hours.

Clergy receive no salary; most have neitherBibles nor prayer books. Nor do their churches.Nor are all priests formally educated or trained.Hymns, many composed during wartime, are gener-ally known by heart.

The land of Twic East is flat, like our Delta,and when it rains, water pools and stands. The soilis rich, thick, and difficult to till, and farmers culti-

vate without metal tools, farm animals, or tractors.Bishop Ezekiel Diing asked me to bring back

the good news of new building: mud huts withthatch roofs as well as thatch barns (cattle herdersburn manure in them at night to repel mosquitoes.)The Sudanese in Mississippi proudly tell me thatthe cattle we saw were purchased with money sentby the Lost Boys and Girls.

We visited two new schools as they were beingbuilt: the replacement for the Father Mark NikklesSchool in Maar damaged during the war and a newschool for girls in the town of Jonglei, the home ofmany of the Sudanese refugees in Mississippi.Workers were finishing digging the foundations ofeach. (When I opened the door to the damaged oldschool, I was greeted by a cloud of enormous fruitbats.)

Roads in the rainy season are near impassable.We passed several overturned trucks. When weattempted to pull our car from the mud, our ropebroke, and we all went flying, landing in a heap,laughing. Returning to Bor Town after heavy rains,we took small old roads through the bush close tothe Nile through populous little villages withchurches.

During his Sunday sermon in the town ofMaar, Bishop Gray used as his text Ephesians 2:13:“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far offhave been brought near in the blood of Christ.”Bishops Gray and Ezekiel led Morning Prayer in acommunity building with a dirt floor. Children whohad walked several miles processed in first, dancingand singing, and the town’s church women in whitefollowed, carrying painted crosses, hands in the air,singing God’s praises.

If peace fails, all are in mortal danger.

Dr. Greg Miller is a professor at Millsaps Collegeand the chair of the Sudanese ministry in the diocese.

Sudan Mission Trip II: The Lay of the Land

New thatched roof barn is an example of the building development being carried on in SouthernSudan.

The rainy season in Sudan turns highways into mud holes. Making a long journey from the inte-rior back to the airport last June, Gray and Miller were told not to worry, because the roadswould be passable in September. Somehow that knowledge didn’t ease their minds.

One of the greatest joys clergy have is the honor ofbaptizing new members into Christ’s Body, theChurch. The Rev. Wilson Webb, St. Stephen’s,Indianola holds newly baptized Evan Milo Chilton,son of Scott and Samantha Chilton. Grandparentsare Leonard and Marty Vincent of St. Peter’s,Oxford and formerly St. Stephen’s. The picture wastaken July 18, 2010,

Josh

Vinc

ent/

photo

THE CEDARS4145 Old Canton Rd.

Sunday, August 29th4-8 p.m.