Cross CurrentMagazine

Spring 2010Quarterly

The Episocpal Diocese of East Carolina

of many

The Effort

for the world

Outreach:

Contents

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5 ...in the news Artists of the Diocese Mamré Wilson

6 ...in the news Review from the Floor

8 ...feature Christian Outreach and Advocacy The Rt. Rev. Santosh Marray Bishop Marray examines what churches can do to help those in need.

10 ...feature Hands to Larger Service Ms. Keri Dixon Learn about the many groups in our diocese making a difference in the community, the nation, and the world.

12 ...community So Many Ways to Help Ms. Keri Dixon

14 ...community Is Recycling a Good Thing? Mrs. Jimi Paderick

15 ...community Episcopal Farmworker Ministry Receives Award Mrs. Sarah Herr

16 ...q+a Easter in Another Part of the World The Rev. Canon Matthew Stockard Experience Easter in the Seychelles with this account from The. Rev. Christine Benoit.

4 ...greetings An Easter Message from Bishop Daniel

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www.diocese-eastcarolina.org

Please enjoy this edition of the Cross Current Magazine. This issue focuses on outreach found in all corners of this diocese. And let me just say, there is a lot of outreach happening! It has been a pleasure hearing, and reading, and in some special cases, experiencing all the wonderful things that every parish in this diocese does. Sadly, I could not include it all.

Don’t let that stop you though, from telling us what goes on in your parish. Your news is what’s important, and that’s what I want to share. The next issue of the Cross Current, which comes out in June, will focus on Inreach, and what parishes do both to attract members, as well as what they do to care for their members. If you have ideas or examples, then send them my way! I look forward to learning what you know!

Thank you for reading. And please...Enjoy!

Keri DixonCommunications Officer/Editor

In Response to “A Christian Nation?” by Michael Burke from the Fall 2009 Issue.

Mr. Burke asserts that the United States must become more socially progressive if it is ever (in his mind) to be cosidered indeed a Christian nation. But Mr Burke never mentions freedom. Instead, his evidences for a Christian nation are "Less sickness, Less hunger, Less poverty in the midst of affluence,Less retribution, more forgiveness." Actually, none of these goals are peculiar to Christianity,are part of the belief systems of any serious religion today --and can be found in any well-run prison.

Stanley SandlerSpring Lake, NC

Vol. 3 No. 1

The Rt. Rev. Clifton Daniel, 3rd Bishop Diocesan

The Rt. Rev. Santosh MarrayBishop Assisting

The Rev. Canon Matthew StockardCanon to the Ordinary

The Rev. Canon Philip Craig, Sr. Canon for Education and Training

Ms. Keri DixonEditor and Communications Officer

P.O. Box 1336Kinston NC 28503http://www.diocese-eastcarolina.orgp:(252) 522-0885f:(252) 523-5272

Cross Current Magazine

Letters to the Editor...

From the Editor...

Special Thanks to...There are a lot of people to thank for their contribution to this edition of The Cross Current Magazine:

Contributing Writers: The Rt. Rev. Clifton Daniel, 3rd, The Rt. Rev. Santosh Marray, The Rev. Canon Matthew Stockard, Mrs. Jimi Paderick, Ms. Mamré Wilson, The Rev. Kevin Johnson, The Rev. Dave Davis, The Rev. John Bonner, Ms. Rose Dahill, Mr. Chris Cowan, Ms. Tina Berne, Mr. Michael Burke, Mrs. Sarah Herr

Special Thanks to The Rev. Christine Benoit, The Rev. Michael Singer, and The Rev. Nathan Finnin.

Photography By: Mrs. Sarah Herr, The Rev. Michael Singer, Seychelles Weekly,Ms. Mary Beth Gay, Mr. Steve Sawin, Ms. Laura Overman, Mr. William Simms

A publication of:

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It was just a few months ago that we were reading Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus and heard the words, “…for there was no room in the inn…” (Luke 2.7) John makes the same point in a different way when he speaks of the Word coming into the world and finding that the world would make no room for him in its life. (John 1.10-11) And Jesus’ life ended in the same way: he was buried in a borrowed tomb. (Luke 23.53) The world and its people could make no room for its Lord and Savior either at his birth or in his death.

The words “…no room” also bring to mind all those in today’s world for whom, like Jesus, there is “no room”: the refugee, the dispossessed, victims of earthquakes or war, the homeless, the hungry, victims of violence, the oppressed. Forgotten. Left out. Pushed to the margins of society. Shunned. Just as it was for Jesus, there are millions of people for whom there is “no room” in this world.

On a more personal level, there are those for whom each of us makes no room in our hearts or in our lives: those whom I refuse to forgive. Those whom I perceive as threat or enemy. Those with whom I profoundly disagree. Those who are different from me. Those whom I envy. Those who have hurt me; those whom I wish to hurt. Those who wish to cast me out; those whom I wish to cast out.

In a world marked by a general unwillingness to make room for one another or for God, the Gospel story of Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection stands in stark contrast. The Gospel message is all about God making room in his heart for you, for me, for all people.

An Easter Message from Bishop Daniel

The resurrection of Jesus is God’s ultimate act of exposing the depth of God’s love for a humanity gone astray. The resurrection of Jesus is the supreme announcement that there is room in God’s heart of love for all people and for every person, even those whom we might wish to exclude, or refuse

to forgive, those whom we have hurt. The call of the resurrection is to seek to make room for others in our own life in the same way that the resurrection is the sign of Jesus making room for you and me in his divine and eternal life. Resurrection is about making room in our life for others by showing compassion, forgiveness, generosity, by extending mercy, understanding, and

reconciliation – all signs of Jesus’ resurrection; and as we live these out in our own daily life, they become healing signs of Jesus’ resurrection to the world in which we live.

It’s all about the three “R’s” of Easter joy: resurrection, reconciliation, room. Jesus, in whom God was reconciling the world to Himself, has been raised from the dead. Through his resurrection Jesus has made room for you and me, and for all people in his heart of love. Now you and I are called to go forth as witnesses to the resurrection, called to be reconcilers in a broken world. As followers of the risen Jesus, for whom there was no room in the inn, and who died and rose again for the salvation of the world, our call is to make room in life and in the life of the world for others in his name.

Alleluia! Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!

The Rt. Rev. Clifton Daniel, 3rdBishop of the Diocese of East Carolina

“The Gospel message is all about God making room in his heart for you”

Easter 2010

“…for there was no room in the inn…” Luke 2:7

www.diocese-eastcarolina.org

On Wednesday afternoon, the exhibit was set up by myself and a few folks who stayed when they brought their art. Special thanks to Alex Russell and Brett

Jellerson for working all day Thursday to help make the art exhibit so beautiful, and for helping Saturday morning, making sure all artists had retrieved their pieces.

The exhibit was full of a variety of artistic paintings, pen and pencil drawings, Japanese writings,

photographs, cross stitch, wood carving and wood turning. There was a coral reef made of yarn and other fabric that was both beautiful and educational. Also on display was a set of chasubles made specially for The Rev. Mary Frances Curns. She explained that she keeps this set aside, and wears them only on very special occasions. The people I saw walking through the exhibit were very specific about looking at each item and taking time to see what the diocesan artists have done.

I would like to take a moment to thank each and every one who helped and participated in this exhibit. Each artist put a lot of themselves into their pieces.

Nearly half the parishes of the diocese were represented. And keep in mind that we will be looking for even more artistic folks for 2011 when we return to the Convention Center in New Bern, and the second ARTISTS OF THE DIOCESE art exhibit debuts. So prepare your work so you can participate in next year's convention!! s

convention art exhibit...in the news

A splash of color and form make this year's exhibit a huge success at the 127th Diocese of East Carolina Convention held in New Bern, February 4-6, 2010.

It was in a meeting with The Rev. Canon Matthew Stockard that we talked briefly about what to do for this year’s History and Archives exhibit. There was absolutely no problem of having a large exhibit, since it had been so widely accepted by attendees of the past two conventions. But did we want to continue with the historic theme, as we had for both of the previous conventions? Since Canon Stockard and I are both in the arts field when not doing diocesan work, it didn't take long for us to come to the conclusion that we had a plethora of artistic types in our diocese, so why not have an art exhibit?

What a wonderful idea! So, now what do we do? Well, I figured that I was the one with the most "free" time, so I would go with the idea. The working part was to contact each Dean of the Diocese and ask he or she to make sure each parish received a copy of our flyer announcing the exhibit. A deadline was set, and changed a couple of times, finally giving way to the last day of January!

By the end of January we had nearly 70 artists of the diocese signed up. At the last minute there were a few who contacted me to see if they were too late, and of course I said "no way!" Thus our final count of artists was over 70, and some of the most talented people I have ever met.

ARTISTS OF THE DIOCESE ... by Mamré Wilson

“By the end of January we had nearly 70 artists of the diocese signed up.”

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127th diocesn convention...in the news

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Review from the Floor

The Explanation...“Very often we fall into the trap of conceiving the “Diocese” as the people who work out of an office building in Kinston, the sight of the Diocesan See (Latin for ‘seat,’ refers to area in which the bishop’s office is located). However, the Diocese is comprised of all of us Episcopalians strung up and down the eastern edge of the state from Washington to Elizabeth City. As a gathered people, some work is done by groups and committees that bind us together. Perhaps the most important aspects of Convention are the many relationships that are developed with Episcopalians from other parishes. For the church is much larger than St. Peter’s, Washington. In this day of rapidly changing world norms and values, forming relationships with Episcopalians from across the diocese and some international visitors helps us better serve and know Christ in our many varieties.”

~The Rev. Kevin Johnson, St. Peter’s, Washington

The Summary...“From Thursday’s Opening Eucharist through Saturday’s closing prayers, it was a time to come together in prayer and thanksgiving; and to look at how we will move ahead in the future. Thursday evening, we celebrated the

opening Eucharist at Christ Church, New Bern, which was a wonderful gospel message preached by our bishop.”

~From The Rev. Dave Davis, St. James the Fisherman, Shallote

“It was not all business. The film ‘Traces of the Trade’ was thought provoking. It calls for racial reconciliation.”~ Ms. Rose Dahill, St. Philip’s, Southport

“Our mission focus was on Soles4Souls, and delegates brought hundreds of pairs of shoes, used and unused, to send to Haiti for the people there. “~The Rev. John Bonner, Holy Trinity, Hertford

“During [Friday] afternoon Bishop Daniel gave his keynote address. His address gave a narrative to the past year’s events, and helped set the tone for the next year. Some of the biggest topics of his address were the companion relationship talks with the Diocese of the Dominican Republic. He also introduced new Bishop Assisting, Santosh Marray. For some of you that have not met him he is a cool guy. It is not often that you get to see a bishop do the electric slide in front of a whole bunch of people. One thing that I thought was neat is he was called the "the Peoples Bishop". That says a whole lot by itself. One thing Bishop Daniel mentioned was that he was re-visioning of the Youth Coordinator position. He also stated there was a need

for a "pastoral response" to the issue of gay and lesbian peoples with the church, and the importance and beauty of the Trinity Center. One of his talking points was about the state of Hispanic Ministries in this diocese. ”I believe,” said Bishop Daniel, “that the flood of Hispanics into our region is the greatest evangelistic challenge we will face in our generation, and they are already part of us!”~ Mr. Chris Cowan, St. Francis, Goldsboro

“There were nine Resolutions presented, most of a non-controversial nature, and interestingly, one was defeated which dealt with the recent proposed election of a homosexual bishop in Los Angeles... The resolution which stands out for me was on Lifelong Christian Formation, an initiative by the Episcopal Church that is all about “lifelong growth in the knowledge, service and love of God as followers of Christ and informed by Scripture, Tradition and Reason.” We will be hearing more about this and it will affect us all.”~ The Rev. John Bonner, Holy Trinity, Hertford

The 127th Diocesan Convention wrapped up on February 6th, 2010 in New Bern, North Carolina. The three days were full of activity and life. And people in our Diocese had a lot to say about it. The following are excerpts from articles in parish newsletters!

Photos- Clockwise from the top: Floor of Convention, Opening Eucharist

at Christ Church, New Bern: Katrina Browne at the Service of Reconciliation at Christ Church.

www.diocese-eastcarolina.org

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The Experiences...“As are all Conventions, this meeting was bracketed by our worship together and our common mission in Christ. “ ~The Rev. John Bonner, Holy Trinity, Hertford

“I also enjoyed the opportunity to meet delegates from other parishes, and had rewarding conversations with delegates from Fayetteville and Lumberton. Although the business part of Convention could become tedious at times, I was struck by the courtesy with which delegates listened to each other even though many had obvious strong convictions. “~Ms. Tina Berne, St. Philip’s Southport

“As a relatively new member of The Episcopal Church, my participation as a delegate to the Diocesan Convention was my first real ‘Episcopal experience’ outside of St. Philip’s, Southport. As a result, I found myself as much observer as participant; watching, listening, engaging in conversation.”~ Mr. Mike Burke, St. Philip’s Southport

“One of the key lessons I take away from Convention is that this Diocese is full of people of good will who sincerely love our Lord. My Convention experience is one of joyful assurance that The Church is in good hands.”~The Rev. Kevin Johnson, St Peter’s, Washington

Photos: Clockwise from the top- Shoes for Soles4Souls:

Service of Reconciliation: Candle at Christ Church, New

Bern, Opening Prayer: Service of Reconciliation: Convention

floor during “Traces of the Trade” movie.

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outreach and advocacy...feature

“Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?” “Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?”

The Christian Church is called by its founding vocation to live into the life style of the early church tradition and practice. This paradigm is given greater emphasis in the Act of the Apostles, the book that chronicles for the Church the early practices of the believers and inspires the missional movement of the Church in every generation. The Book of Common Prayer articulates the Liturgy in ways that promote and nurture the will of God for the faith community. For the wider church community, there isn’t a more profound articulation of the call to outreach than in the Baptismal Liturgy. Here in part we see the intention of the early church recorded in Acts of the Apostles 2: 25, the commission to protect the welfare of the needy if even it meant sacrificing that which may make believers in the early church most comfortable. The thought that seems to garner this intention is a feeling of “common life” within the “common struggle”; that one’s life is diminished when the other person’s life is hurting, especially if that individual were in a position to contribute to the improvement of the person’s human condition. It is called in theological terms the “empowerment of the other in Christ”. When examined in its simplest form, the term “outreach’ is really “reaching out”. The question then is, “to whom”? and the answer comes back to someone or something outside of you. This extension of who I am is modeled on the cross in the outstretched arm of Jesus welcoming all into his embrace, the broken and sinful thief included.

By appointment, the baptized community embodies both messenger and agent of Christian social outreach. This occupation with the community is integral to our vocational

commitment to maintain communion and balance. In the language of spiritual formation, evil is the disembodiment of self from other, that is, community. Although it is not unusual to confront on a regular basis people who continue to feel that their actions, good or bad, have little or no consequence to the wider world, Sister Joan Chittister said that in effect all of our actions have universal ramifications.

One of the fundamental responsibilities of the church is to provide for the spiritual welfare of each human being. However, the Church cannot abrogate its vocation to be involved in social outreach and advocacy if it is to demonstrate the sincerity of its care for the ‘poor and needy, the marginalized and those unjustly treated’. The spiritually

sensitive congregation will consciously or unconsciously be drawn into action. The spiritual dimension of the congregation, and its clergy, does know that its spiritual life gives rise to a moral imperative, in that, once clergy and congregation have a sound spiritual background, they will realize the necessity for proper character formation based on the principles of honesty, humility, love, decency, respect for others and inalienable rights of each person. When these principles are

upheld, the base of spiritual formation is strengthened, which then penetrates into the wider community.

The Church’s social advocacy arises out of the members own heightened spiritual formation and obedience to Christ, the archetype of Christian outreach and advocacy. The response may not necessarily be overwhelming, but one sign of witness is representative of a multitude, “as much as you do it unto others you do it unto me (Jesus)” One area worth exploring for the Church in today’s society is counseling centers with trained personnel to assist members, and others who are disturbed and troubled by many social problems affecting their lives and community. The history of human behavior has

“They would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need.” (Acts 2: 45)

The Rt. Rev. Santosh Marray

Christian Outreach and Advocacy in the Church

Bishop Marray

www.diocese-eastcarolina.org

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shown that people often turn to the Church in times of crisis. The forthright response of the Church makes it a trusted friend to all and leads it to being held in high esteem. This is the true model of Christ that the Church is called to live, and calls others to follow. One of the spiritual responses in covenantal living is the education of people. In this thrust, it will be spiritually prudent, and practically sound to challenge people to accept their responsibility to make positive contributions to society. Here the Church’s role as the authoritative facilitator should begin to influence and shape this process.

Another proposition is for the church to deal more with issues that are affecting society depending on the nature of the problem. The response of the early Church to the crisis at hand was to care for the needy members in the community. In the modern scheme of societal concerns Christian outreach and advocacy may be best advocated by strong emphasis on the family and family-related issues. In this way, the church will play a critical part in the development and nurturing of the family. The church should do this by instilling within family members a deep-seated respect for their God-given worth and dignity which, in turn, would enhance their relationship with friends and other groups of people. From this position of strength will flow the desire from parishioners to develop mechanisms of restraint in the face of everyday temptations. People need constant affirmation of the high premium God places on them, as God’s creation and people.

The spirituality of the church takes into consideration the need to provide, where necessary, the material needs of the less fortunate. It should set aside funds to assist needy families, and have an ancillary unit to cater to those needs. In so doing, families that are experiencing economic hardships, and are unable to provide for themselves would have the support of the Church and the wider community. Through this medium,

fundamental social and economic reforms are addressed in the creation of a stable family life, and safe home environment.

All these possible solutions require a strong, positive, sensitive, and caring attitude from both clergy and parishioners alike. Once these conditions are set in place, the church should initiate teaching people, providing them with valuable information that will guide and prepare them to courageously face the challenges of the outside world. Spiritual development is important, however the Church has to rise above this and cater to all the facets of the whole human person. Each component must be developed to the same degree if human beings are to have a balanced life, and if the Church family is to grow into becoming a powerful unit in society. The Church will thus find it is in a better position to make invaluable contributions to

society and all its attendant structures.

The fundamental message of the gospel is “good news to the poor…release to the captives …..” (Lk 4:18-19). Our radical calling is to embrace society with an adequate vision of what constitutes the foundation for human dignity and fulfillment. If we are the “salt of the earth and the light of the world” (Mat 5: 13-14), we cannot stop short of ministering to the wholeness of the person as a whole, believing that, “with God everything is possible” (Lk 1: 37)

while waiting for the kingdom of God to erupt in plentitude. The spirituality of the Christian community, the Church, its clergy and laity alike, commits them to signalize this kingdom by preaching the gospel, healing the sick and reproving the evil spirits manifested in the face of injustice, inequality, oppression, marginalization in all forms of indignity. In its pursuit to fulfill the principle of human rights, the church has consistently advanced the dignity of all human beings through various tangible and transformative projects.

The response of the early Church to the crisis at hand was to care for the needy members in the community.

Bishop Marray

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hands and outreach...feature

Driving down the road the other day, I saw a sticker on a car that reminded me of my younger years. It was a sticker for the 4-H. 4-H is an organization that allows young adults to explore their interests in greater depth. I participated in 4-H for many years as a teenager (I worked with the “Zoo Crew” and volunteered at the N.C. Zoological Park). And the first thing that came to my head when I saw that sticker was the pledge we would say before every meeting.

“I pledge my head to clearer thinking, My heart to greater loyalty, My hands to larger service, And my health for better living, For my club, my community, My country, and my world.”

I thought about the similarity of this pledge to the actions I have seen in the past two years in this diocese. I see clearer thinking, and the undying loyalty and love many have for The Episcopal Church. And I see where people strive for health, both for the spirit and for the body. But what I see the most is the larger service that this church does for the world.

My hands to larger service.... That’s the part I kept coming back to again and again as I thought about what to write for this magazine. I am fascinated by the creative and varied ministries in our diocese. And for the past month or two, I have been collecting articles from parishes that demonstrate how your hands have been working for larger service.

Helping hands come in so many forms these days. They reach out and manually make a meal, like the volunteers at Mary’s Kitchen who make meals daily for over 100 people. St. Anne’s, Jacksonville participates in the “Unseen Guest” ministry. “The idea behind the Unseen Guest Ministry is quite simple. ‘...for I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat.’ (Matthew: 25:35) Christ is a guest at our table each night when we eat dinner,” said Ms. Stacey Sprenz in St. Anne’s newsletter. The ministry, bi-monthly, supplies home-cooked frozen meals to each person. This is enough food to last one to two days. And, for a unique way to make a difference, St. Timothy’s

Keri Dixon

Hands to Larger Service...Making a Difference

Youth during Happening at Camp Trinity

www.diocese-eastcarolina.org

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Church in Greenville has a community garden, and some of the produce from that goes directly to local food kitchens.

Hands reach out to create a home for people to live for a few days or a week. All Saints, Southern Shores participates in the program “Room in the Inn,” which houses the homeless around the Outer Banks at different parishes for a week at a time. The parishioners supply breakfast, lunch, dinner,

a warm place to stay and entertainment for the week. A

similar program also takes place at St. John’s, Fayetteville, where people, especially women and children, are housed and transported to daily activities for one week every couple of months.

The Episcopal Farmworker Ministry (EFwM) has countless outreach programs. The ministry reaches out to migrant workers who may not have proper clothing, food, or even education. EFwM provides these services to those with the most need, even the young. For Easter, many churches in this diocese collect plastic eggs and candy, so that the children can have an Easter egg hunt after the service.

The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) have built their organization on reaching out to help others. Currently, the ECW have been commissioned by The Rt. Rev. Clifton Daniel to raise money for school scholarships in the Domincan Republic.

The youth at St. Andrew’s, Morehead City collected over $2,000 for a school in Haiti.

Hands reach out to give money and supplies where they are needed. The youth at St. Andrew’s, Morehead City’s collected over $2,000 for a school in Haiti. St. Paul’s, Edenton, has collected and sent over $11,500 to the Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD). In 2009 the people of East Carolina sent over $56,000 dollars to ERD. “This was a very good for a year without major disasters,” said Ms. Nancy Broadwell.

Food pantries in many different areas have seen heavy restocking in this time of great need. Countless parishes have made the call for goods, and that call has been answered. The Church of the Advent in Williamston keeps a closet stocked with food for those in need. It has seen many generous donations from groups in the area.

Young hands reach out often, as well. Groups of young adults gather every summer at St. Peter’s by the Sea, Swansboro, for the Towel Ministry. These young adults go out into the community to fix roofs, clean yards, and build buildings for those in need. St. James Church in Wilmington has a similar, but shorter program where youth go out into the community to help build homes.

There are simply so many projects in which the parishes of the diocese participate, that naming them all would be a challenge in a magazine this small.

Hands reach out in so many different ways, and every way makes a difference. It makes a difference for those who need the help, and for those offering the helping.

Helpers at Trinity Center for a “Trinity Clean-up day.”

Youth in the kitchen at St. Mary’s Church, Kinston

Working at the annual Dental Clinic at St. Peter’s, Washington.

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parish spotlight...community

In the movie, “The Blind Side,” a woman and her family reach out to help a young man who is need; he has no home, few clothes, and no food. It was a profound act of kindness with a great impact on both the young man and this family. And it only took one simple act- to invite the young man home to stay the night.

Now, what if you take a simple act and multiply it by an entire parish? The simple act of preparing food for someone in need, collecting shoes for a third world country, taking a label from a soup can for a children’s program, or raising money to build a well for a town without running water, can have the power to influence hundreds of lives. It changes the lives of those in the surrounding community, region, world, and of those who have participated in the actions. This is how St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Kinston lives every single day. Just one look at their website, or brief conversation with their rector, shows the depth and variety of service in which this church participates. “It’s the parishioners who do it,” explained The Rev. Michael Singer, rector at St. Mary’s, “they come up with ideas and act on them.”

St. Mary’s, Kinston is a church that has it’s hands in programs locally, nationally, and even projects that go around the world. And in the past couple of years, when many organizations have had to cut back, the number of projects that members of

St. Mary’s participate in has grown. “The parishioners see a need, and want to give back,” said Fr. Singer.

Outreach isn’t just for the adults at St. Mary’s. From children who are 3 years old and sing in the St. Cecilia Choir, to young adults who collect shoes and money, to adults helping with Mary’s Kitchen-- all are included. Even in the summer months, when many were away on vacation, St. Mary’s was able to raise enough money to fund more than five scholarships for children going to school in the Dominican Republic.

The parish participates in several programs locally. One of their biggest programs is Mary’s Kitchen, which provides one meal a day, six days a week for an average of 120 people. They are also active in collecting Campbell’s soup can labels, and printer cartridges that help local programs buy school supplies.

Another major project that St. Mary’s just finished was raising money, along with several other churches and businesses in the community, for Kinston’s, “Run for the River.” Members of St. Mary’s raised over $6,500 for water wells in Africa.

The simple act of reaching out is important in any individual life. And when the act spreads through an entire community, reaching out becomes something more, it becomes a vehicle for change, and for hope.

Keri Dixon

So Many Ways to Help...St. Mary’s, Kinston,Reaches Out

Photos Starting Clockwise from the left: Angels hanging in the church, each angel represents 3 nets purchased for Nets for Life. Top: Heather and Levi Wentz working last spring with Stop Hunger Now. Top Right: Members of St. Mary’s working at Mary’s Kitchen. Right: St. Mary’s St. Cecilia’s Choir (3 – 6 year olds) on a road trip visiting the homes of parish shut-ins and taking an Easter treat. Photos supplied by The. Rev. Michael Singer.

www.diocese-eastcarolina.org

Episcopal Relief and DevelopmentEpiscopal Relief & Development is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church of the United States, guided by the Episcopal

Church’s principles of compassion, dignity and generosity as we work to heal a hurting world.

www.er-d.org

Stop Hunger NowStop Hunger Now is a Raleigh-based international hunger relief agency that has been fulfilling its commitment to end hunger for more than 11 years.

Vision: To end hunger in our lifetime. Mission: To provide food and lifesaving aid to the world’s most destitute and hungry in the most efficient, effective and sustainable manner.

United Thank OfferingThe United Thank Offering joins together Episcopalians in: Offering daily thanks and prayers as part of our life in Christ: Taking the opportunity to put an offering in our United Thank Offering boxes; Bringing our offering boxes, or envelopes forward;

Joining our offerings with others to support mission projects at home and around the world.

Soles4Souls Soles4Souls is a Nashville-based charity that collects shoes from the warehouses of footwear companies and the closets of people like you. The charity distributes these shoes free of charge to people in need, regardless of race, religion, class, or any other criteria.

www.soles4souls.org

Thompson Child and Family Focus

Thompson Child & Family Focus is a human services agency that provides specialized clinical and behavioral treatment, developmental education, and proactive care for at-risk children and families.

www.thompsoncff.org

Nets for Life

NetsforLife® empowers communities to eliminate malaria by providing life-saving prevention training and long-lasting insecticide-treated nets. In partnership with corporations, foundations, NGOs and faith-based organizations, NetsforLife® implements integrated malaria-prevention programs in 17 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

www.netsforlifeafrica.org

Episcopal Diocese of the Dominican RepublicThe Diocese of the D.R. has a companion relationship with the Diocese of East Carolina. Groups, like those with The Episcopal Church Women, are helping this growing diocese with school scholarships. Many parishes have even established companion church relationships within this diocese.

www.episcopaldominican.org

Outreach You Can Reach ForTry one of these programs if you are looking for a way to reach out.

www.stophungernow.org

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work in the garden, no canned food for us – we were reducing pollution. I know that it was a long time ago, but sometimes you need to go back so you can move forward.

It all boils down to using less, and re-using more. If we don’t start today, our children’s’ children may have something less than a tomorrow.

going green?...community

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Jimi Paderick

Each year we strive as a Diocesan Office and Convention to be as eco-friendly as possible. Just last year, for the first time, we didn’t print Diocesan Journals – we created the Journal on CD – saving over 41,000 pieces of paper. Each time I walked the halls of the New Bern Convention Center, during this year’s convention, I had my own sense of pride because, in clear view were recycle bins for collection of aluminum cans and plastic bottles. Special arrangements were made with the caterer to use only recycled products, and for the first time, during Saturday’s legislative session, it was decided not to reprint Resolutions and Constitution & Canons changes that were made during hearings. Instead, the changes were made “live” on large screens.

At home, I recycle cans, plastic and “sometimes” paper, and when available I always buy recycled products (even when they cost more). So if I had to grade myself on being eco-friendly, I’d give myself at least a B+. In preparation for this article, I took the time to read about the benefits of recycling and was surprised at what I found. I learned that being eco-friendly is much

more than recycling, it’s about conserving resources such as energy and being aware of the effect of air, water and soil pollution. Did you know that in some cases it takes more use of energy to create recycled products than it does to make the regular product?

Take the standard paper shopping bag found at your local grocer. Did you know that it takes four times more energy to produce that bag as opposed to a plastic bag? Plus, the manufacturing process is heat and chemical intensive, meaning the paper bag not only consumes more energy, but causes more pollution. And when it comes to recycling, it takes 91% less energy to recycle one pound of plastic than one pound of paper. And with the chemicals and techniques used now to create paper bags, researchers have found that paper bags break down at a rate that is not substantially faster than that of plastic. So you may wonder, should you recycle or not?

The answer is yes, but don’t limit yourself to the obvious types of recycling. Think outside the box – recycle pickle jars to hold buttons, cotton balls, etc. Use reusable

Is Recycling a Good Thing?

fabric bags for shopping. Think of different ways to reuse what you have instead of making a new purchase. For example, I remember growing up, my grandmother used pieces of torn clothing to make beautiful quilts – she was recycling. As kids, we only watched TV on Saturday mornings – we were conserving energy. And each afternoon our family would

Good for the Environment, That Is?

Expensive to process and recycle used products

Takes more energy and work to collect, sort and process recycled products than virgin products.

Many “recyclable” products are considered “contaminated” and get thrown out anyway.

Keeps waste from filling the landfills too quickly

Creates jobs

In most cases, it reduces water, chemical, and power consumption.

Saves valuable resources like trees, coal, iron, ore, and limestone

Reduce, Reuse, and then Recycle. To really make a positive impact on the environment, remember the first two R’s. Reduce your consumption, reuse what you can, and then recycle the rest.

The Positives and Negatives to

Recycling Your Waste

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Recognized for its extraordinary service and limitless welcome to migrant farm workers in North Carolina, the Episcopal Farmworker Ministry of Newton Grove (EFwM), NC, is the recipient of the 2010 Bishop’s Medal Award from the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina.

Selected by The Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry, Bishop of North Carolina, the Bishop’s Medal Award is given to a person, congregation, organization, or ministry that inspires, touches lives, and makes a difference in the community. For nearly 30 years, EFwM has sought to help meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of thousands of migrants and their families, meanwhile raising public awareness about their lives and daily struggles.

EFwM is “an incredible model of the power of the witness of Gospel welcome. This is a missionary vision at work. It’s worship through word and sacrament and prayer, it’s evangelism, it’s service to others, it’s working for justice, it’s discipleship that is making a difference in the world,” said Bishop Curry.

North Carolina is a temporary home to more than 100,000 migrant farm workers, most of whom are Mexican laborers, and even more have made North Carolina their permanent residence. They are frequently subjected to isolation, substandard housing, lack of transportation and medical care, and language and educational barriers.

The EFwM provides immigration assistance, English as a Second

Language classes, food distribution, annual Christmas and Easter gift distribution programs, an annual festival, and a Sunday worship service in Spanish officiated by The Rev. Tony Rojas, Executive Director and minister of the EFwM. “The work the ministry performs truly is impressive, working tirelessly with love to give our brothers food, blankets, and clothing that otherwise they would not have to work in. We give stuffed animals for them to hug in their solitude or many times use as pillows to rest on. Above all, this ministry takes to farm workers the ministry of sacramental life and the hope for justice, which we are claiming for them and may take several years to reach our camps,” said Fr. Rojas.

Operating on a modest budget, but with a dedicated staff, board, and volunteers, the Episcopal Farmworker Ministry draws an average Sunday attendance of 600 during the peak harvesting season, making it the fifth largest Episcopal worshiping congregation in North Carolina.

As EFwM volunteers, board members, and staff stood to receive recognition from Bishop Curry, Fr. Rojas was especially moved. “During the life of a human, there are events of great impact that we remember for the rest of our lives. One of these occasions occurred in my life when, in the name of the Episcopal Farmworker Ministry, I received the Bishop’s Medal Award.”

To learn more about the Episcopal Farmworker Ministry, visit

www.efwm.org.

Episcopal Farmworker Ministry Receives Bishop’s Medal AwardSarah HerrDiocese of North Carolina

The Rev. Tony Rojas accepts the Bishop’s Award from The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, Bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina, in honor of the Episcopal Farmworker Ministry.Photos by Sarah Herr.

episcopal farmworker ministry...community

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...with The Rev. Christine Benoit...q+a

How do you know Bishop Marray?

He was my bishop. He was my bishop and I was his personal assistant when he was in Seychelles when he first came. And, during his first few year, I worked closely with him, taking him to places, getting him to know the Seychelles, telling him a little about our culture and things like that.

Tell me what Holy Week is going to be like.

Well, it’s going to be a busy week, but I look forward to it because I’ve missed my people. For four weeks, I have not seen them. We usually have the Lenten Devotion at home on Sunday. On Sunday, I have worship with them, and on Wednesday I have the Lenten

Devotion. During the Holy Week, we plan to have services throughout. And what I’m really looking forward to is Maundy Thursday. I am looking forward to Maundy Thursday because we plan to have a gathering of “bring and share” after the Eucharist, and then we continue with the prayer until the next day, until Good Friday. And we are going to transform part of the sanctuary into a garden.

So you will keep vigil together?

Yes. Until the next morning, and usually I don’t sleep at all during this time, but I encourage them to have some rotation. And then, at 10 A.M. on Good Friday we will have a special service for the children, where they will participate.

Tell me more.

Well, this is one thing that I grew up into. At the cathedral when I was younger, we usually had the Good Friday services, but it was Good Friday for children. It was the same as the adults but shorter.

What I have done in the past is, with regards to the children’s service, I get them to participate. I say to them, “Tell me the story of Good Friday.” And then use the different signs and items,

like the meals and the water, all these things, all these symbols and get them to tell what this all means for them so that they understand. And then I tell them what we expect of them as children. We have the Sunday School teachers

also participating. For me, I really look forward to this. It’s interesting, because when you get them to give their views, it also helps you to understand where they are at, what to they understand. I remember last year when I asked them, “Who is ready to die for his or her mother?” Complete silence. And I asked the parents, I said, “Who among you are ready to die for your children?” and all the parents stood up. So I asked the children again, “So now, what will you do?” Oh, and they were all ready

The Rev. Christine Benoit is rector of Holy Saviour Anglican Church, Seychelles. She is also the first woman ordained priest in the Province of the Indian Ocean. She was recently in East Carolina visiting Bishop Marray. The Rev. Canon Matthew Stockard had the pleasure of interviewing Ms. Benoit and asked her more about her Easter traditions.

I say to them, “Tell me the story of Good Friday.” And I use the different signs and items... to tell them what’s this all about.

Holy Week in Seychelles

The Rev. Christine Benoit during her ordination.. Photos by Seychelles Weekly

Bishop Marray and Ms. Benoit during her ordination in 2006

www.diocese-eastcarolina.org

An Interview with The Rev. Christine Benoit

because for me, I have nothing to do with it, this is God’s dealing.

How will you hand out hope and confidence to young women?

I live by example. I always say, “Do what I say, and do what I do.” My actions speak louder than my words. In my parish, I have a bible study group that is only female, and the men come to me and say “When are you going to start a bible study for us? Only us men?” So for me it’s not me who is leading, I am just the instrument. So I believe that whenever I see those people, the Lord will give me the for sight on how to address them and what to say.

now, to die for their parents. And I explained to them the aspect of what Jesus did. His death, the meaning of this death. And kids will be kids. And I asked them, “Okay, well do you know who contributed to the nails in Jesus’s hands?” And there was quiet, and then they said to me “Oh the Romans.” And I asked, “Have you done anything wrong in these past days?” Yes. “So, do you know the meaning of what you did?” And there was quiet, and then I told them that they contributed.

On Ash Wednesday last year, when I was putting the ashes on the children’s foreheads, I explained to them that “You are precious. You are dust, but you are precious dust, not like any other kind of dust, and He loves you.” And I challenged them to go and tell everyone that you love them. And in the Seychelles, the church is close to the school, so on Ash Wednesday, we have a service in the morning for them. And what I told them is to go into the school and tell their teachers that they love them, to tell their schoolmates, to tell everyone they meet on the way. It’s amazing the kind of response I got afterwards. And I told them that, this Lenten season for 40 days, we’ve got to tell one another, the adults also.

What about Holy Saturday?

These are the days that church is busy; Good Friday; Holy Saturday; Easter Sunday. The church is packed. And we have the service at night. We have

a vigil. We start the l i t u r g y o u t s i d e , and it’s a wo n d e r f u l experience. Last year, we had rain, but it was fun.

The Rev. Christine Benoit

Increase YourOutreach Potential

Did you get the new fire started?

We did. It was just after we lit the Paschal candle that the rain started to fall. But this Easter, this will be our first Easter in our new church.

Now; you’re a leader as well. I am talking to a remarkable person. Your name will be in the history books as the first woman ordained priest in the Province of the Indian Ocean. I know you must have met some singular challenges along the way.

It has been tough, and it’s still tough, especially since I am single, and everyone is watching me. But I don’t focus that much on the history I’ve done,

Once I read a short story called “Giving Good Gifts.” It was about a little girl who came home from Sunday school and asked her mother for help with a food collection. The mother pulled out sardines and beets from the pantry, stating that they had been on the shelves for years. The young girl’s face fell and said, “But, Mother, if we only share what we don’t want, we’re not helping the poor, they’re helping us.”

The book “The NEW Outreach: Doing Good the Better Way: An ABC Planning Guide” by Sandra Swan reminds me of this story. It teaches a better way to give. It offers the tools needed to provide better aid and assistance in a more efficient and responsible way. One area that is especially important is to concentrate on what you want to

accomplish, not what you are going to do. Much like the story above, doing is much different that accomplishing…the mother “did” the task but the young daughter “accomplished” it.

Any outreach program or any parish contemplating an outreach program would benefit from this book. It explores the entire step-by-step process of outreach; from motivations and documentation of available resources, to desired outcomes and proven methods to achieve goals, with humorous topical illustrations by noted cartoonist Jay Sidebotham. The author includes evaluation techniques, bibliography, and an index.

Note: You may purchase the book at Amazon.com or churchpublishing.com.

Jimi Paderick

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In the Episcopal Church, the practice of the acolyte is rich. An acolyte is any lay person who helps with the church service by carrying the processional cross, lighting candles, holding the gospel book or torch during the reading, helping with the presentation of the bread, wine and gifts of the people, swinging incense, or any other tasks seen fit by the priest or acolyte director.

Traditions for acolytes vary from church to church. Some traditions call for very specific clothing, ranking, and training, while other traditions perform the role without any vestments or formal training.

In East Carolina, the community and history of the acolytes is strong. For many years, St. Andrews by the Sea in Nags Head has held an acolyte festival. But this year, the festival has been expanded to include acolytes, priests, and acolyte

directors from all across the state in the First Annual North Carolina Episcopal Acolyte Festival.

Acolytes, parents of acolytes, acolyte directors, priests, and volunteers from parishes in North Carolina are invited to St. Andrew’s by the Sea in Nags Head to learn more about the ministry and responsibilities of the acolyte in the church.

Participants will take part in a special Eucharist service, workshops, the Acolyte Olympics, and end the day with a special dinner and Bishops Beach Ball. This event will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2010 in Nags Head, North Carolina. Registration is required. To find out more, or to get registration information, please visit www.standrewsobx.com.

1st Annual North Carolina EpiscopalAcolyte Festival

...From Camp Trinity

Learn the Traditions

Are there still spaces?Currently, there are still limited spaces in many of the camp sessions for summer 2010! If you are interested in sending your child to camp, please contact our Camp Trinity Registrar.

Scholarship FundThis fund allows us to continue to operate Camp Trinity on a need-blind basis, so that all children who obtain a place in camp are able to attend, and so that a Christian community

is available to all our children. This fund is replenished yearly by individuals and churches of the Diocese of East Carolina. This past year, we disbursed over $25,000 to help more than 100 children attend Camp

Trinity. Help send a child to Camp Trinity! Please send donations to: Trinity Center c/o the Camp Scholarship Fund

Announcing: 2010 Camp Trinity Staff List!Assistant Director- John Stoller: Assistant Director- Laura Hobbs: Program Coordinator- Boyce Whitesides: Music Coordinator- John Reynolds: Arts & Crafts Coordinator- Kate Ewen: Activities Coordinator- Hanna McMurry: Activities Coordinator- Dylan Sugar: Waterfront Coordinator- Hampton Moore: Boat Lifeguard- Tucker Whitesides: Boat Lifeguard- Cailin McFadden: Pool Coordinator- Katie Lekson: Pool Coordinator- Hanes Joyner: Counselors: Carr Gardiner, Parks Warren, Ryan Abrams, Buddy Payne, Rachel Carter, Caitlin Alberts, Ashley Simpson, Cally Hudson

www.diocese-eastcarolina.org

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Freedom Ride 2010A Pilgrimage of Reconciliation

Join the Episcopal Dioceses of Western North Carolina, North Carolina and East Carolina on a journey of discovery of our

history and its impact on our lives today.

The purpose of this pilgrimage is to facilitate intentional practices of recognizing the dignity of all humankind as all being created in the image of God, while also identifying our own prejudices and the impact discrimination has on both the oppressed and the oppressor.

Participants will have the opportunity for education, contemplation and worship as they try to understand how these events in history might help them comprehend and engage the Christian concepts of sin, redemption, and reconciliation in our own lives.

As participants retrace and learn about some of the significant racial historical sites and moments in North Carolina’s history, they will reflect on the effects of the brutality, both subtle and blatant, inflicted on African Americans and the

legacy this history has on today’s race relations and the inequality of living. Participants will also experience first hand the hardship of migrant farming as well as recognize justice issues among Hispanic communities living and working on migrant farms.

Throughout this ten-day Pilgrimage, participants will be guided in contemplative practices of worship and meditation as they seek a deeper understanding of God’s presence within themselves and all humankind.

The trip will begin in Wilmington and end at Haw River State Park outside of Greensboro. During the 10 days, the group will

visit Somerset Plantation (once the largest plantation in North Carolina), work on a migrant farm, spend a day in Oxford with Tim Tyson, author of “Blood Done Sign My Name,” participate in a program in Chapel Hill involving the first freedom riders in 1947, and work with the Truth and Reconciliation group in Greensboro as we revisit the sites of the Woolworth sit-ins and the 1979 KuKlux Klan shootings.

Greensboro Woolsworth 1960 sit-ins

1898 Wilmington Riots

Dates: July 9-18th, 2010Grades: Rising 9th grade through HIgh School SeniorsCost: $350For more information visit www.episdioncyouth.org

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What’s GoinG on in the Diocese?

Tour of Homes and GardensApril 17, 2010 10:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M.Oriental, North CarolinaThe ECW and Oriental’s History Museum are sponsoring this year’s Tour of Homes and Gardens. Advance tickets are on sale for $20 at Croakertown, Oriental’s History Museum and the Bank of Arts in New Bern. The event will also feature a bake sale, wine tasting, farmer’s market, art exhibition, sailing rare boat show, and music.

1st Annual North Carolina Episcopal Acolyte FestivalApril 17, 2010 Starting at 8:30 A.M.St. Andrew’s by the Sea, Nags HeadAcolytes, parents of acolytes, acolyte directors, priests, and volunteers from parishes in North Carolina are invited to learn more about the ministry and responsibilities of the acolyte in the church. Participants will take part in a special Eucharist service, workshops, the Acolyte Olympics, and end the day with a special dinner and Bishops Beach Ball. Registration is required. To find out more, or to register, please visit www.standrewsobx.com.

Cursillo #82April 23-25, 2010 Trinity Center, Salter PathCursillo (pronounced “kur-SEE-oh”) is a Spanish word that means “short course.” In the context of the Cursillo method, it means a short course in Christian living. Participants will spend a short weekend together, learning about Christian living. For more information visit, www.cursilloec.com

Deanery-Wide Sexual Ethics TrainingApril 24, 2010 10:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M.Trinity Church, ChocowinityPreventing sexual exploitation in communities of faith. Geared to adult members of congregations, clergy and others who provide pastoral care, as well as vestry members. To register, please call or email Rondi Sugg (252) 522-0885 ext. 228 or rsugg@diocese-eastcarolina.org.

122nd Annual Meeting of the Episcopal Church WomenApril 27, 2010 Registration begins at 9:30 A.M.Christ Church, Elizabeth CityOur Guest Speaker will be Ms. Pam Strickland who will address the topic of “Human Trafficking – Modern Day Slavery.” This will be an opportunity open to anyone (man, woman, member or not a member) to learn and understand the extent of human trafficking in North Carolina. Cost of lunch is $12. If you have any questions, contact Ms. Jo Anne Kilday at (kilday@ec.rr.com).

Praying in ColorMay 8, 2010 9:00 AM until 12:00 PMSt. Mary’s Church, KinstonMaybe you love color. Maybe you hunger to know God. Maybe you are a visual or kinesthetic learner, a distractible or impatient soul, or a word-weary pray-er. Ms. Sybil MacBeath found herself exhausted by the words of her prayers and stymied by a lack of focus. One day, she retreated to her back porch for a session of mindless doodling. She drew a shape, put the name of her friends inside, and added lines and color. When the page

was covered with designs and names, Sybil realized she had prayed. You’re encouraged to come to this workshop and experience the prayer practice the author calls “praying in color.” Bring your friends to this informative workshop. To register, please contact St. Mary’s at 252-523-6146.

Tri-History Conference: From Manteo to the MDGsJune 21-23, 2010 Raleigh, North CarolinaThe conference will focus on both the mission and the history of the church. This event will feature talks and workshops facilitated by professors, historians, priests, and local leaders. Registration is required. To find more information, please visit the website: www.trihistory.org

Freedom Ride 2010July 9-18th, 2010Starts in Wilmington, NC and ends near GreensboroJoin the Episcopal Dioceses of Western North Carolina, North Carolina and East Carolina on a journey of discovery of our history and its impact on our lives today. As participants retrace and learn about some of the significant racial historical sites and moments in North Carolina’s history, they will reflect on the effects of the brutality, both subtle and blatant, inflicted on African Americans. Participants will also experience first hand the hardship of migrant farming as well as recognize justice issues among Hispanic communities living and working on migrant farms. For more information, visit, www.episdioncyouth.org.

If you would like to submit articles for publication in the Cross Current Magazine, please visit the “Submission

Guidelines” page on the website at:www.diocese-eastcarolina.org/submissionguidelines

www.diocese-eastcarolina.org