This is just wonderful–watch it all.

March 30, 2010
Tuesday in Holy Week
Diocesan House

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I received a phone call from the Reverend Steve Wood, rector of St. Andrew’s, Mt. Pleasant, the day before yesterday, Sunday, March 28, 2010, that the Vestry and members of the parish voted to leave The Episcopal Church and affiliate with the Anglican Church in North America.

Although I am not surprised by this decision, I am saddened by it. In fact there is a poignant irony in the departure of St. Andrew’s from the Diocese and from The Episcopal Church. As bishop of the Diocese of South Carolina, I receive almost daily letters and emails from people across this Church suggesting that our stance gives them encouragement to remain and persevere within TEC. Yet here at home we could not hold one of our strongest congregations. The departure of The Episcopal Church from the way of Christ and the Biblically rooted teachings of the Church has become too discordant for them to tolerate any longer.

While the ramification from their departure has yet to unfold in its entirety, I hope many among us will look for ways to continue our mutual ministry and relationships. The arrangements to be made for those within the congregation who wish to remain within the Diocese of South Carolina and The Episcopal Church will be among the subjects that I will be discussing with Steve and the parish leadership, as well as among our diocesan leaders.

By God’s grace we will keep St. Andrew’s in our prayers and work with them to find ways to cooperate in gospel mission and ministry that honors Jesus Christ and his Kingdom.

Yours in Christ,

–(The Rt. Rev.) Mark Lawrence is Bishop of South Carolina

During her visit to Grand Island on Friday morning, Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori spoke to church leaders and parishioners about the Episcopal calling to serve a hurting world.

But before she spoke, she also got to witness an ideal example of that type of service in Grand Island’s own St. Stephen’s Community Center.

After her tour, Jefferts Schori said she was wowed by the partnerships she found among the numerous community groups that use the community center, which is connected to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.

Read it all.

[GREG] COLLARD: It’s not just a Charlotte problem. U.S. Census figures show almost two-thirds of African-American kids don’t have a biological father living at home, and that can lead to other issues. A Justice Department report found the incarceration rate for black men in 2008 was six-and-a-half times that of white men.

Mr. WARREN BROWN (Bishop): We’re not just going to visit you in prison, we’re going to try to keep you out of prison.

COLLARD: That’s Bishop Warren Brown speaking this month in Columbia, South Carolina, at what was billed The Great Gathering. Almost 7,000 people attended a meeting of the major black Methodist denominations: the AME, AME Zion and CME.

Mr. BROWN: We recognize that oftentimes we feel that we will deal with our young black men in the eighth or tenth grade. That’s too late. We’ve got to work with them out of kindergarten.

Read or listen to it all.

Twenty years ago, when Richard Edmond moved to Charleston, he came for work. Little did he know the path that would unfold. Ten years aft er arriving here, Richard became homeless. He doesn’t blame anyone but himself, and some bad
decisions he made. He has lived on the streets of Charleston for a decade.

In 2008, Richard first came to St Michael’s for the pizza meals after the 6pm services, and went on to join the men’s bible study on Sunday nights run by Doug Born. Richard often attended 2 or 3 services every Sunday. The Holy Spirit began working on him; in the fall of 2009, he attended Alpha, and even made the trek to Montreat, NC for the Holy Spirit Weekend. And that was when and where the Holy Spirit convicted him– it was time to put his new faith into action, turn his life around, quit with any form of destructive behavior, and get off the streets. When he returned to Charleston, he announced his decision to the Alpha team. It was time for a new beginning.
Word circulated among the St. Michael’s staff and several laity that Richard had decided to start anew. After several weeks, it became evident he was serious about the decision–and several people stepped in to help. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, these St. ichaelites gave time, talent, and treasure, and God used it in a big way.

Today, Richard lives at the Ansonboro house now on Society Street. He has fi led for and will soon begin receiving his Social Security retirement. Richard continues to attend AA and the Anglican Essentials course to become a member of St Michael’s Church. He will be confirmed by Bishop Lawrence this May into the Episcopal Church. And thanks to several St. Michaelites, he’s already begun accumulating the basics needed for “life under a roof.”

If you feel called to assist Richard with his life re-launch, his needs are simple, but many: He still needs: a bed, a matt ress, pillows, sheets & bedding, end table, lamp, dresser, hangers, bath mat, shower rings, dishes, silverware, plates, toaster, floor lamp, and cleaning supplies, couch and a chair. Please contact Libby Culmer or Heidi Alexander if you have items you would like to donate.

Every person is precious to the Lord. Thanks be to God that Richard has found his way home!

You can see a picture of Richard here (page 10).