Diocesan Committee Descriptions

Diocesan Committee Descriptions AIDS COMMITTEE - established in 1986 to meet and make recommendations to the Bishop regarding ways in which the Diocese of Mississippi, particular congregations, and/or individual Episcopalians might respond creatively and constructively to this crisis that now confronts us in the United States of America. ALTAR GUILD - The Diocesan Altar Guild (DAG) was formed in March 1981 to assist the Bishop and all congregations, particularly missions, in the care of the Church's altars, to provide a channel for sharing and exchanging pertinent information, and to provide a support group for members throughout the Diocese. ARCHIVES The Archives of the Diocese of Mississippi is located at the Diocesan Office. The Archives houses all journals, diocesan newspapers, historical documents and other papers concerning the life and history of the diocese. CAMP BRATTON GREEN - Camp Bratton-Green is the overall camping program annually providing four or more regular sessions for different age levels, two special sessions for the handicapped, and five or six pioneer sessions at other locations. Congregations and other groups are encouraged to use the facilities for picnics, conferences, workshops and retreats; and individual families are welcome when other programs are not in session. Funds from the Diocesan Budget are used to subsidize the camping program. CENTER FOR FORMATION AND MISSION Part of Bishop Gray s Vision Path: The development of a Center for Formation and Mission is led by a Director of Formation and a programming board. The Director will provide coordination of programs. COMMISSION ON MINISTRY created by General Convention (Title III, Canon 1) to assist the Bishop in determining the present and future needs for Ministry in the Diocese, and in matters pertaining to the enlistment and selection of persons for Ministry, and in the guidance of all Candidates for Holy Orders. COM meets semi-annually to certify to the Bishop and the Standing Committee the applicants for admission as Postulants and Candidates and for ordination to the Diaconate and Priesthood. Its subcommittees on Recruiting and Screening, Canonical Examinations, Pastoral Oversight, Continuing Education, and Total Ministry meet as often as required. COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY WITH GAY AND LESBIAN PERSONS Our mission is to continue Christ s work of reconciliation and unity among all people by attaining full inclusion of gay and lesbian persons in the life of the church. The budget items presented reflect the actions the Committee proposes to take based on some of the recommendations of/responses to the Pastoral Survey, including 1) sponsorship of a Diocesan-wide Gay and Lesbian Spiritual Retreat at Gray Center; and 2) providing educational services to parishes and missions in response to needs expressed in the Pastoral Survey. COMPANION DIOCESE COMMITTEE - established in 1982 to develop, implement, and coordinate a formal relationship between the Diocese of Mississippi and the Diocese of Panama. The purpose of the relationship is to promote the mission and ministry of the Church through sharing personnel, experiences, information, learning, and resources. Sponsored and guided by the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church, the commitment to such a relationship is for three years and, by mutual agreement, may be renewed for three more years. CONGREGATIONS FOR CHILDREN A joint ministry with the Episcopalians, Methodist and Catholics. CONTINTUING EDUCATION OF CLERGY with duties defined in Canon 39, this program encourages the clergy to continue their theological education by offering career evaluation workshops, making

financial grants for such study, and reviewing post-analysis reports made of the study. CURSILLO CURSILLO is a movement of the Church which, with its own method, makes it possible to live what is fundamental for being a Christian. It is a proven and effective method to make a friend, be a friend and bring a friend to Christ. The role of Cursillo is the same as that of the Church. CURSILLO in Mississippi is under the direct supervision of the Bishop and enjoys his wholehearted support and involvement. Cursillo is international in scope and active in many denominations. EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY (EFM) - a program of Theological Education by Extension from the School of Theology of the University of the South. This is a four-year program of study and reflection designed to introduce lay persons to the essentials of theology, biblical studies, ethics, liturgics, spirituality, and church history. FRESH START This is a program to assist newly-arrived clergy in transition from either seminary into parochial ministry, or experienced clergy moving from one cure to another. Originated by The Episcopal Church Foundation, Fresh Start assists eligible parochially-based presbyters in the twoyear period following their move. Major components of the program include discussions of transitionrelated issues and development of peer support groups. HAPPENING - The Happening Experience is an instrument of renewal in the Church. It is for and run by young people in grades 10 12, but also includes adult participation. Its purposes are to concentrate closely on the person and teachings of Christ, and to enable the young people involved to understand and serve the Church. This is a very powerful program that everyone should make an effort to attend. LICENSED LAY MINISTRY EDUCATION - a training course in the doctrine, discipline and worship of the Episcopal Church offered to persons who wish either to qualify as licensed worship leaders or who simply wish to know more about the teachings and worship of the Church. The training consists of home- study courses and open-book examinations. In addition, the candidates for licenses must attend one conference. The first license is valid until the next Annual Council, but may be renewed annually by reporting activities of attendance at one learning conference each year, and with the recommendation of the rector or vicar. The director of this program also coordinates the licensing requirements for other lay ministries in the Church (e.g., lay Eucharistic ministers). MINISTRY AND FORMATION OF THE ORDER OF DEACON The Order of Deacon in Mississippi has grown during the last nine years. To support discernment, education and formation of postulants, as well as to support the continuing education and formation of the ordained deacons, our needed support from the diocese is growing. Oversight for the ministry and formation of this order is accomplished by the Bishop in consultation with the Deacons Council. PANAMA MEDICAL MISSION The Panama Medical Mission will makes its fifth trip to Panama in the fall of 2007. Medical personnel as well as individuals providing support work will offer clinic services to native Panamanians near Piriti, Panama. This is a joint effort with our companion diocese of Panama. PRISON MINISTRIES: The committee s mission is to empower and equip the communion of saints in ministry of reconciliation, restorative justice and spiritual health for victims, incarcerated offenders, officers and families for the advancement of gospel standards of justice. RACIAL RECONCILIATION COMMITTEE - formed in 1994 in response to the House of Bishops Pastoral Letter on Racism to promote racial harmony both within and without the church. SAFE CHURCH COMMITTEE This committee was formed in 1999 as the Committee on Sexual Exploitation, Pastoral Justice, and Advocacy and changed in 2005 to the Safe Church committee. The committee members serve as a resource to the Bishop in dealing with incidents. Also, the committee will promote prevention of sexual exploitation within the church, education for understanding the ramifications of exploitations, and healing for those whose lives have been affected

by exploitation. SUDANESE MINISTRY - The Committee continues to sponsor Sudanese evening prayer, offering food and fellowship following services, and other social events. We tutor and mentor Sudanese refugees, sponsoring students at the Education Center so that they can complete their high school diplomas and supporting young people in their applications for college admission and financial aid. We offer book scholarships each semester to college students. We offer small loans, and we have begun a special relationship with Hope Credit Union for future loans that will allow the young people to develop credit. We help find safe and affordable housing, and offer legal and medical advice and help. We have offered programs at several schools and churches in Mississippi and worked as advocates with government officials for the refugees and the reuniting of families. THE MISSISSIPPI EPISCOPALIAN - The Mississippi Episcopalian is the primary publication tool for the Diocese of Mississippi and is published 12 times annually. VOCARE A weekend renewal retreat offered twice each year for young adults, age 19-29 which provides the chance for participants to explore life choices in the context of Christian vocation or calling. YOUNG ADULT DISCERNMENT COMMITTEE - This group is a subcommittee of the Commission on Ministry. Young adults often face unique difficulties in participating in the established process of discernment for ordination. This committee has inaugurated another route. Persons who are at least a junior in college and no more than twenty-five years old may enter into a year-long group discernment process in lieu of formation of a parish discernment committee. YOUTH - The Division of Youth (DOY) is made up of high school students and adults. It attempts to expand opportunities for youth involvement in the Church through conferences and service projects. Conferences are designed to develop program resources for local use and to provide opportunities for personal growth and leadership training.

CONVOCATIONS, DIOCESE OF MISSISSIPPI

CONVOCATIONAL STRUCTURE: DIOCESE OF MISSISSIPPI The Diocese of Mississippi is divided into seven geographical regions called convocations. Each convocation has a Dean who coordinates the clergy within the convocation. A meeting of all clergy of the convocation, a clericus, is held on a regular basis. The following is a list of the churches within each convocation. CENTRAL CONVOCATION Dean: The Very Rev. Kyle Seage St. Philip s Church 5400 Old Canton Rd., Jackson, MS 39211; (601) 956-5788 Brandon, Parish of St. Luke Brandon, Parish of St. Peter by-the-lake Canton, Parish of Grace Church Clinton, Parish of the Creator Forest, Mission of St. Matthew Jackson, Mission of St. Alexis Jackson, Mission of St. Christopher Jackson, Parish of All Saints Jackson, Cathedral Parish of St. Andrew Jackson, Parish of St. James Jackson, Parish of St. Mark Jackson, Parish of St. Philip Kosciusko, Mission of St. Matthew Madison, Parish of Chapel of the Cross Raymond, Mission of St. Mark Ridgeland, Parish of St. Columb Terry, Mission of the Good Shepherd COAST CONVOCATION Dean: The Very Rev. Stephen Kidd St. Mark s Church 11322 West Taylor Rd., Gulfport, MS 39503; (228) 896-7597 Bay St. Louis, Parish of Christ Church Biloxi, Parish of the Redeemer Diamondhead, Parish of St. Thomas Gautier, Mission of St. Pierre Gulfport, Parish of St. Mark Gulfport, Parish of St. Peter by-the-sea Long Beach, Parish of St. Patrick Ocean Springs, Parish of St. John Pascagoula, Parish of St. John Pass Christian, Parish of the Trinity Picayune, Parish of St. Paul DELTA CONVOCATION Dean: The Very Rev. Brandt Dick St. James Church 1026 S. Washington Ave., Greenville, MS 38701; (662) 334-4582 Belzoni, Mission of St. Thomas Carrollton, Mission of Grace Cleveland, Parish of Calvary Greenville, Mission of the Redeemer Greenville, Parish of St. James Greenwood, Parish of the Nativity Hollandale, Mission of St. Paul Indianola, Parish of St. Stephen Inverness, Mission of All Saints Leland, Mission of St. John Lexington, Mission of St. Mary Rolling Fork, Parish of Chapel of the Cross Rosedale, Mission of Grace Church Sumner, Parish of the Advent Yazoo City, Parish of the Trinity

CONVOCATIONAL STRUCTURE: DIOCESE OF MISSISSIPPI NORTHERN CONVOCATION Dean: The Very Rev. Bruce McMillan Christ Church P.O. Box 596, Holly Springs, MS 38635; (662) 252-2584 Batesville, Mission Station, St. Stephen s Clarksdale, Parish of St. George Como, Mission of the Holy Innocents Grenada, Parish of All Saints Holly Springs, Parish of Christ Church Michigan City, Mission of Calvary Olive Branch, Mission of Holy Cross Oxford, Parish of St. Peter Southaven, Parish of St. Timothy Tunica, Parish of the Epiphany OLD RIVER CONVOCATION Dean: The Very Rev. Sam Godfrey Christ Church, Vicksburg 1115 Main St., Vicksburg, MS 39183-2527; (601) 638-5899 Bolton, Mission Station, St. Mary s Bovina, Parish of St. Alban Brookhaven, Parish of the Redeemer Church Hill, Mission Station, Christ Church Crystal Springs, Mission of Holy Trinity McComb-Magnolia, Parish of the Mediator-Redeemer Natchez, Parish of Trinity Church Port Gibson, Mission of St. James Vicksburg, Parish of Christ Church Vicksburg, Parish of Holy Trinity Vicksburg, Mission of St. Mary Woodville, Parish of St. Paul SOWASHEE CONVOCATION Dean: The Very Rev. Dr. Susan Bear Church of the Ascension 3600 Arlington Loop, Hattiesburg, MS 39402; (601) 264-6773 Collins, Mission of St. Elizabeth Columbia, Mission of St. Stephen Enterprise, Mission of St. Mary Hattiesburg, Parish of the Ascension Hattiesburg, Parish of Trinity Church Laurel, Parish of St. John Meridian, Parish of the Mediator Meridian, Parish of St. Paul Newton, Mission of Trinity Church TOMBIGBEE CONVOCATION Dean: The Very Rev. Anne Harris St. Paul s Episcopal Church 318 College St., Columbus, MS 39701; (662) 328-6673 Aberdeen, Mission of St. John Columbus, Mission of the Good Shepherd Columbus, Parish of St. Paul Corinth, Parish of St. Paul Okolona, Mission of St. Bernard Philadelphia, Mission of St. Francis of Assisi Starkville, Parish of the Resurrection Tupelo, Parish of All Saints West Point, Parish of the Incarnation

T Responsibilities and Roles of Convocation Deans Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi he Deans of Convocations serve at the appointment and pleasure of the Bishop. Responsibilities and roles may change over time, but the following is a list of general expectations: 1. To keep the Bishop and Canon to the Ordinary informed of significant developments in the convocation. 2. To attend deans meetings with the Bishop as scheduled. Meetings are generally held quarterly. 3. To serve as liaison between the diocesan office and the congregations of the convocation in communicating policy and special notices. 4. To convene meetings of convocational clergy on a regular basis and to see that all clergy are encouraged to participate. 5. To serve as pastor to convocational clergy on a regular basis and to see that all clergy are encouraged to participate. 6. To enhance communication between the congregations and to help alleviate any sense of isolation by parishes and missions. 7. To work with the diocesan office in arranging supply clergy for vacant congregations. 8. To represent the Bishop, at his request, at liturgical functions. 9. To represent the Bishop, as needed, in consulting with parishes and missions. 10. To coordinate diocesan programs being held on a convocational level. 10/6/2015

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES 1. Episcopal Outreach Foundation (EOF): Purpose: To encourage new ministries of outreach or social Justice in the Diocese or expand existing ministries. It is encouraged that these monies be seed monies or monies used for additional support. inter-faith/ecumenical ministries are encouraged. For an application and a list of criteria that must be included in the application please send a letter of request to: Diocesan Servant Ministry Chair c/o Diocese of Mississippi P.O. Box 23107 Jackson, MS, 39225-3107 2. ECW Fund for At-Risk Children: Purpose: Small grants are available for programs for At-Risk Children. Contact: Lynn Wellons 507 Broad St. Columbia, MS, 39429 601-736-3304 3 United Thank Offering (UTO): Purpose: The United Thank Offering is a program of the Episcopal Church for the mission of the whole church, founded by and administered by women since 1889. The committee awards and administers grant monies within the framework of the policies and procedures of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society. Criteria: Implement actions within the requesting diocese or province to address compelling human needs and/or expand mission and ministry. May be a new work, a new phase of work, or an expansion of existing work. Gives special attention to disadvantaged persons, places and organizations. May be a part of provincial or diocesan planned mission strategy and/or a program in which the United Thank Offering participation is clearly identifiable. To receive grant monies during any given year, applications must be received in the diocesan office by December 31. The Episcopal Church Women board comprises the screening committee and one grant annually will be recommended to the bishop for endorsement. Applicants will be informed of the UTO decision by early May. Contacts: Julia Marks Young 1820 Pinehurst Place Jackson, MS 39202 601-353-0675 Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi Post Office Box 23107 Jackson, MS 39225-3107 601-948-5954