02/28/08
Comments:
Christ Church, Yankton, has started several small "interest/community groups" to enhance our growth and outreach in the community. Several people gather once a month to see a good movie and then have coffee somewhere afterwards for fellowship and discussion. Last Sunday, right after church, 15 journeyed to Vermillion to see one of the Oscar nominated movies and then enjoyed hospitality and refreshments at the home of Judy Clark, one of our members.
And every Tuesday at 5:00, a group gathers at Ben's Brewing
for refreshments and conversation--it is called the "Fermenting the Faith" group-- a goodly number, couples show up for this gathering. This group has also chosen a different book for discussion during the time they are together.
A new outreach group has formed to explore the ways we can make a difference in our own community, as well as serve our own congregation. This group is also working with our web site director to improve its contents, as well as revising our church brochure and finding a new way to make our visitors more welcome.
Our Lenten season continues with wonderful Soup Suppers and Evening Prayer on Wednesdays also enhanced by special readings from members while we enjoy our soup.
We are also very proud of our Choir, directed by Kathy Grow, that provides wonderful music on Sundays and do very special Evensongs twice a year. They work hard at producing a variety of music for our services.
We hosted a Faith Stories Weekend last fall and it has made a real difference in our sharing of our lives with each other. We highly recommend it for any congregation.
We are hosting the Bread for the World Hunger Workshop on Saturday, Aptil 5 from 10 to 12. Tammy Walhof, regional coordinator for BFW will conduct the workshop.
So, exciting things are happening as a result of all these new endeavors. Inez L. Harris
02/25/08
Comments:
St. Matthias Greetings to you:
I have returned from a weekend in Watertown, installing the Reverend Wayne McIntosh as the new Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church. It was a wonderful occasion, though attendance was down due to hockey, wrestling, basketball tournaments! Canon Wagner assisted in the Celebration and distribution of Eucharist. Yet the fellowship was wonderful and I saw many friends there.
On Sunday we Celebrated and Confirmed eight young folks and received two adults into the church. It was a wonderful service, with the church full to witness to the vibrant and excited youth at Trinity Church. Everyone is excited about Fr. Wayne beginning his ministry at Trinity.
Drop Fr. Wayne a note to welcome him to the Diocese. (Trinity Church, PO Box 623, Watertown 57201)
I have received word of the death of the Reverend Francis Nickerson formerly of Pierre and Vermillion and recently of Scottsdale, AZ. Nick was active in all aspects of diocesan life when living here and was ordained Priest in 1976.
Surviving him is his wife: Peggy Nickerson; 7090 Mescal Street #143; Scottsdale, AZ 85254-6122.
I have also received a note from Fr. Craig West, who will officiate at his mother's committal on Wednesday, February 27, before beginning the trip back o South Dakota. Cards may be sent to Craig and Miriam at their home in Martin, SD (PO Box 532, 57551). While in the NW, Craig and Miriam welcomed their new grandson, Elijah Watson Joslyn into the family.
Diocesan Staff meeting this Thursday, Diocesan Council on Friday and off to Grace Church, Huron on Saturday for an official visitation. I am looking forward to this visit because they have "Bishop's Meatloaf" whenever I am present.
02/21/08
Comments:
Just a reminder that there will be NO Lenten Quiet Day at St. Mary's, Mitchell this Saturday, February 23.
02/19/08
Comments:
Effective immediately, the Reverend Philip Allen has resigned as the Archdeacon for Niobrara. Phil has been having some health issues and is moving to Minneapolis to be closer to his family and physicians.
I will meet with leaders of the Niobrara Deanery later this month to talk about a replacement for Phil, and what the duties of that person might be and a place of residence for that person.
In the meantime please pray fro Fr. Phil Allen, and his family.
The Niobrara Council will meet this weekend in Ft. Pierre. I will not be able to attend. I will be in Watertown for the Installation of the new Rector at Trinity Church, and again on Sunday to Celebrate and Confirm new members of the church. Please pray for Fr. Wayne and the people of Trinity Church, Watertown.
While I have sent out a schedule, there is room for a few additional visitations. If your congregation is interested in a visit from the Bishop please let me know immediately as time is running out for this year.
A new Priest, the Reverend Rob Schwarz has agreed to come to the Diocese to serve the Standing Rock Episcopal Mission and St. James Episcopal Church, Mobridge. They are presently looking for housing and as soon as appropriate housing is located, they will begin the move. Please pray for Fr. Rob and Jean, his wife, as they begin a new time in their ministry.
Please offer prayers for the Reverend Craig West, Vicar of St. Katherine's Episcopal Church, Martin and Priest in Charge of the Pine Ridge Episcopal Mission. They are visiting their new grandson in Seattle and are also ministering to Craig's mother who is in a hospice facility. Pray for Craig and Miriam, for comfort, joy and a safe return to Martin.
Please pray for Fr. Bill Hibbert who continues to be hospitalized in Rapid City for illnesses. I had an opportunity to visit with Bill on Monday, 2/11, and we had a wonderful visit, shared prayers and anointing of Bill before leaving. It was a good visit, but Bill needs our prayers.
Mrs. Bonnie Anderson, President of the House of Deputies, will be visiting South Dakota in April. We hope to have her visit the Chamberlain, Lower Brule area prior to the ECCIM meeting in Sioux Falls in April.
Don't forget the Annual Niobrara Convocation in Eagle Butte, sponsored by the Cheyenne River Episcopal Mission in June. The Most Reverend Kathyrn Jefforts Schori will be present for the Convocation and some time prior to and following the Convocation as well. It is my hope that we will be able to host a forum for her in Sioux Falls and in Rapid City, if time permits.
As one elder Priest used to say: "I hope you are having a terrible Lent so that you may have an awe filled Easter." So be it!
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