Cursillo Comments. Volume 10, Number 2 September 2009

Transcription

1 Cursillo Comments Volume 10, Number 2 September 2009 From Our Bishop September 9, 2009 To My Fellow Cursillistas: My ministry has seen a radical change in the cultures in which we are called to minister in God s name. In the 60s Christianity and the Episcopal Church were in growth mode. The United States was the top country. God was American. The Episcopal Church was growing. Several wars later we face a terrible divide between those who have jobs and those who don t. Soccer and sports own Sunday mornings. There is a sizable chunk of American citizens born here who have long since left their family s Christian religion. Henry Louttit Bishop, Diocese of Georgia What has held strong is Cursillo, which continues to be a community representing Christ that births serious Christians. I am very thankful for our Cursillo ministry that has been central in our almost holding our own in membership these last years. Sincerely, The Rt. Rev. Henry I. Louttit Ninth Bishop of The Episcopal Diocese of Georgia HIL/ged Help empower Christ-centered leaders to grow in their journey with financial palanca. Financial assistance is a part of your commitment to the Cursillo Movement in the Diocese of Georgia. Please consider your annual pledge to Cursillo prayerfully and make your pledge for the upcoming year as soon as possible. Funds are needed to help supply scholarships, as well as carry on the general business of the Cursillo Commission. I hereby pledge: $25 $50 $75 Other $ (Please Specify) to help fund the work of the Georgia Episcopal Cursillo in the following area(s). Choose one or more. Scholarships Commission Needs General Fund Other (Please Specify) Name Address City, State, ZIP Send to: Cursillos in Community c/o Carolyn Murdoch 1998 Sylvan Lake Drive Grovetown, GA There is also an opportunity to contribute to Cursillo at Clausura.

2 Notes from around the Diocese: Cursillo # 114 has now become cherished memories of fun, joy, and love in community for our team and participants. New diocesan friendships in Christ have been established, and all of us have changed as we began our fourth day. God made his presence known by intervening with changes to the team that made it the best that it could be for this unique combination of participants. Being the rector requires a huge, huge amount of faith that God will make all things well in the end. Joe Murdoch How does one accurately describe such a wonderful weekend. I had no idea of what was about to happen during that weekend and am so glad. I went with an open mind and surprised myself at how easy it was to let go and reflect on my own relationship with God. While it was definitely a time for reflection, it was also a time of great love, both received and given. God s love was certainly evident during those days. Kaye Traer When Fred and I made our Cursillo, we had no idea that this would change and shape the course of our lives, and our own personal ministries. The following year we returned to serve on team a completion of our own Cursillo experience an amazing blessing. God is faithful and Cursillo works. Remember the most significant part of our own Cursillo weekend to remember the purpose to which God called you through Cursillo. Darlene Kruse I made my Cursillo in 1980 at Cursillo #21. Interestingly enough 21 years and many, many teams later I was rector of Cursillo #94. Cursillo has been the foundation of my education as to what the Gospel really means sharing the Good News with others. I am now in the process of becoming a deacon in the Diocese of Georgia. I would never have been open to the Holy Spirit s leading had it not been for my Cursillo experience. Nancy Byars Sister Cintra was at #22 and helped me through an important part of my life. My Dad and Mom were at Cursillo #2. To quote Albert Shelander, he says of Cursillo that, It s one of the most divine experiences in human love that you can have. Anne S. Floyd Cursillo gives us a new source of inner strength for those times we need to dig deep. It, also, has provided me with a large community of friends from all over the Diocese and, especially, at home with my reunion group. Harriet Deas Sharon and I attended our Cursillo weekend in August of 1980 we knew nothing about it, except that our Vicar, Bob Carter, said he thought we d enjoy it, and that it d be good for our little congregation of St. James, Quitman, to have us go. I have no idea about the impact on St. James, but it changed our lives. I suspect that we are Episcopalian today in large part because of the work of Cursillo in helping us to see church as something larger than the local congregation; in teaching us that ministry was the work of all Christians; in introducing us to the power of belonging to a faith community, and in inviting us to explore what gifts God had given us that were intended to be sanctified and offered to his people and the world. Truly for us it was right that we did not choose but were chosen. Bill Stewart

3 Robert and I went to Cursillo # 77 with no idea of what to expect. We went because dear friends, Joe & Cissy Bowden, Susan (Hackett) Terry, and Gordon Panton, said we should. That was good enough for us. Boy were we in for a surprise! I am a cradle Episcopalian, having been in the same parish all my life; I was well thought of and loved there. The Cursillo experience opened up for me a whole new plateau of relationships that I never dreamed existed! The love, affirmation, and immediate acceptance was so palpable as to be almost overwhelming. The things Robert and I learned that weekend, and on into our fourth day, have completely changed our lives. We have the very best of friends all over the Diocese, friends who will never fail us and are right by our side when needed, no questions asked. Cursillo was, for us, a type of discernment with respect to our own ministries it could be called discernment for those not seeking holy orders. What a life-changing and personally fulfilling experience! Susan Story As a Parish rector, Cursillo has been like a freshly brewed cup of coffee in the morning. The aroma wakes you up and the caffeine keeps you going. This has been the case for many in our parish who have made their Cursillo. Fr. Will Carter + My Cursillo experience is best described as mountain top. In those three days, every need was met (physical, emotional, social, and spiritual) even before I realized I had a need. Surrounded by people of all walks of life, I felt a love that is promised and present when two or more gather in Christ s name. Kim Capers Kathy and I attended Cursillo in 1981 at Honey Creek #33. We showed up knowing almost nothing, and I brought my guitar just in case it was boring, so I could sit around and play to amuse myself. As we all know, it is NOT boring, but I did get to play a lot of guitar. I was immediately latched onto by the music chas and allowed to play with them at every opportunity. That same sense of inclusion was evident in every activity, from discussion, to prayer, to eating. I think that it brought to my awareness a lesson that I had already learned, but not acknowledged fully. We are called as Christians to be people of change. Constantly, we are called from sin to righteousness, but we are also called from isolation to community. It was an awareness of really being the family of God in Christ, and the responsibilities that entails; a call to service and to the joy that serving brings. It has been wonderful, joyful journey. Carlton Shuford + For me, Cursillo was the initial step of a spiritual journey that was more life-forming than lifechanging. The weekend itself certainly had an impact, but the tools I was given strengthened and shored up a foundation that was very weak. With a solid base in place, I was able to go forth into the world empowered and emboldened to do the work I was called to do. Reunion, Ultreya, and serving on teams helped rejuvenate me when I was weary. The brothers and sisters I met along the way, who are so firmly woven into the tapestry of my life, encouraged and inspired me, and continue to do so. God uses a variety of methods to speak to His children. Cursillo is one of many. I am so grateful and blessed that when He used Cursillo as a method to speak to me, I listened. Sharon Stewart What impact has Cursillo had on your life?

4 th The Rev. Scott A. Benhase Elected 10 Bishop of Georgia The Rev. Scott Benhase was elected September 12 as tenth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia. Benhase, 52, rector of St. Alban s Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., Diocese of Washington, was elected on the second ballot out of a field of six nominees. He received 76 votes of 146 cast in the lay order and 58 of 103 cast in the clergy order. An election on that ballot required 74 in the lay order and 53 in the clergy order. Under the canons of the Episcopal Church (III.11.4), a majority of bishops exercising jurisdiction and diocesan Standing Committees must consent to Benhase s ordination as bishop within 120 days of receiving notice of the election. Providing he receives the required consents, Benhase will succeed Georgia s ninth bishop, Henry I. Louttit, who has served the diocese since January The ordination and consecration is set for January 23, 2010, at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center. Benhase, who graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary, served congregations in Indiana, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia before being called to St. Alban s in He is married to Kelly Jones Benhase and they have three children, John, 21; Charley, 18; and Mary Grace, 16. More information about Benhase, including a video presentation and answers to the search committee s questions, is available at The other nominees were: The Rev. William Patrick Gahan, The Rev. Frank S. Logue, The Very Rev. C. Dean Taylor, The Very Rev. William Willoughby III, and The Rev. Stephen E. Zimmerman. The Diocese of Georgia covers the southern two thirds of the state of Georgia, including Savannah, Augusta, Albany, Thomasville, Valdosta, and Brunswick. Upcoming Cursillo Dates # October 15-18, 2009 # March 3-7, 2010 # October 21-24, 2010 Day of Deeper Understanding November 14, Church of the Annunciation, Vidalia Palanca for the Diocese of Georgia may be sent to: Georgia Episcopal Conference Center 299 Episcopal Conference Center Rd.; Waverly, Georgia New Website Our new website is

5 Palanca Please separate participant palanca from team palanca and alphabetize both. If more than one day s palanca is sent, separate by day, participant or team, and alphabetize each group. Indicate the different days with a post-it note rather than writing on the envelope. All palanca should be able to fit into a standard size business envelope or into the Palanca Bag itself. No Large Gifts are to be sent as Palanca. Gifts may be given to Participants at Wake- Up Sunday morning, after Clausura, or at Welcome Home Ultreyas. The Commission requests that you be obedient to this policy. Thank you for your support of God s Church, where the words disciple and apostle become a reality to many people. Your Prayers Prayer is essential for the success of any Weekend just as it is essential for success in life. Prayer can come in many forms. It comes in the work and preparation of the Team, intentional prayers of the people on the Prayer Vigil, and intentional prayers of the whole community for the Cursillistas and the Team Members as the Weekend unfolds. Remember this as each Weekend approaches. It is your prayers for everyone on the Weekend, both Participants and Team, that God will hear and answer. The cards, letters, and remembrances are just a symbol of the prayer that is the true Palanca. Wake-Up and Clausura Please remember to arrive for wake-up 6:00-6:15 AM and go directly to Bishops Hall. Wake-up is at 6:30 AM. Remember that we use the kinder, gentler approach to wake-up. Only one person preferably the sponsor or representative will bring the participant into Stuart Hall. Others will receive instructions as to where to wait for the participants to arrive. To avoid the embarrassment of being dragged unprepared into a room full of strangers, participants are now told to be dressed and ready to begin the day at 6:30 AM. Please remember to keep cell phone use to a minimum on the Honey Creek campus and, by all means, no cell phones may be used in the Chapel. Also, remember to arrive at the Chapel for Clausura no later than 3:45 PM. There is no flash photography allowed in the Chapel. Always keep the noise level in the Chapel down, as this is a place of worship. Commission Spiritual Director: Spiritual Advisors: The Diocese of Georgia Cursillo The Right Reverend Henry I. Louttit, Bishop The Rev d Will Carter Bradwell St., Hinesville, GA 31313; wcarter@coastalnow.net The Rev d George Bowers - P.O. Box 2408, Darien, GA 31305; frgeorge@darientel.net The Rev d Kit Brinson Old Evans Rd., Martinez, GA 30907; kitbrinson187@msn.com The Rev d Jim Parker - 15 Willow Rd., P.O. Box 61297, Savannah, GA 31420; ; parker.j@comcast.net David Sandbach Pebblewood Dr., Valdosta, GA 31602; davidsandbach@gmail.com Jim Drazdowski Starmount Dr. Valdosta, GA 31605; jdraz@bellsouth.net Suzanne Wilson Post Ct., Albany, GA 31701; rodsuzwilson@mchsi.com Carolyn Murdoch Sylvan Lake Dr., Grovetown, GA 30813; cmurdoch@bygracedesign.net Chair: Vice-Chair: Secretary: Treasurer: Members: Hugh Papy Mall Blvd., #81, Savannah, GA 31406; Hugh.papy@lafarge-na.com Audrey Jernigan Pineview Dr., Waycross, GA 31501; Audellie57@yahoo.com Pepi Nelson - 25 Crestwood West, Valdosta, GA 31602; pepinelson@bellsouth.net Beth Price - P.O. Box 313, Thomasville, GA 31799; bprice@southwestgatech.edu Allyson Stanland Yuma Trl., Augusta, GA 30907; astanland@comcast.net Patti Wainwright Crooked Wood Ln., Savannah, GA 31406; patt877@bellsouth.net Allison Clarkson - P.O. Box 1058, Darien, GA 31305; allison@darientel.net Al Jackson Summerlin Dr., Evans, GA 30809; timesavers@knology.net Servant Community Registrar & Palanca: Jackie Maronski Mike Padgett Hwy, Augusta, GA 30906; maronskij@aol.com Financial Advisor: Webmaster: Newsletter Editor: DDU: Music Director: Honey Creek: Alan Dear Bud McKey Cir., Valdosta, GA 31062; dear@earthlink.net Jim Drazdowski - see contact information above Susan Story Johnson Rd., North Augusta, SC 29841; scstory@goodshepherd-augusta.org Al Jackson - see contact information above Pam Guice East College St., Valdosta, GA 31602; pguice@lowndes.k12.ga.us Hamp Stevens Conference Center Road, Waverly, GA 31565; office@honeycreek.org or hamp@honeycreek.org Ellen Harry Conference Center Rd., Waverly, GA 31565; ellen@honeycreek.org

6 Palanca Request - Participants of Cursillo # 115 PARTICIPANT SPONSOR CHURCH Rhonda Blount... Susan Thigpen... Grace Waycross Marlene Davis... Natalie Whittle... Trinity Statesboro Eric Herndon... Molly Greneker...Christ Church Valdosta Jeanne Papy... Tracy Edgar... St. Thomas Savannah Saber Simmons... Beth Baker...Christ Church Valdosta Lynn Wright... Geri Lee Nelson... St. Thomas Savannah Marilyn Donnan... Joe Murdoch... Our Savior Martinez Alan Dunavan... Al Jackson... Holy Comforter Evans Shannon Dunavan... Al Jackson... Holy Comforter Evans Sally Wright... Kay Webster... Our Savior Martinez Please note that this IS NOT a complete list of participants. Updates and changes may be found on the Georgia Episcopal Cursillo Website at Please check it often. Ultreya rectors are asked to communicate changes to members of their Ultreyas. Team TEAM MEMBER... ROLLO... JOB TEAM MEMBER... ROLLO... JOB Patty Wainwright Rector Kevin Fleming Food Cha Pat Bowers Observing Rector Nestor Gernay... Food Cha Will Carter... Head Spiritual Director Melanie Barr-Schwallenberg Head Table Cha Dee Shaffer...Spiritual Director Reed Freeman...Spiritual Director Tracy Edgar... Table Cha David Powell... Table Cha Audrey Jernigan... Head Palanca Cha Anita Lynn Table Cha Lou Willis...Palanca Cha Marion Stapp... Table Cha Kathie Murphy...Palanca Cha Vicky Posey Head Table Facilitator Carlton Shuford Head Music Cha Una Fulford...Table Facilitator Stewart Marshall Music Cha Linda Gernay Table Facilitator Clay Byars... Music Cha Carol Howell Table Facilitator Frank Sapp... Head Food Cha Mary Sawyer...Table Facilitator 1. Action 2. Christian Community in Action 3. Group Reunion Rollos 4. Ideals 5. Laity in the Church 6. Leaders 7. Piety 8. Study & Evangelization of the Environment 9. Study 10. Ultreya