Cross current [serial].

532 Pages·1993·115.3 MB·English

by  Episcopal Church. Diocese of East Carolina

THE LIBRARY OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF
NORTH CAROLINA
AT CHAPEL HILL
THE COLLECTION OF
NORTH CAROLINIANA
FC283
M67
[1.996-19931
FOR USE ONLY IN
THE NORTH CAROLINA COLLECTION
Form No. A-368, Rev. 8/95

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L
Sharing the good news
of Episcopalians keeping Come celebrate The Schedule of Events
the Cross current in The 113th Annual Convention
their daily lives. of the Diocese of East Carolina
the past and be a
February 15-17
Wilmington Hilton
Wilmington, North Carolina
part of the future
Theme: "Celebrating Our Past, Discerning Our Future'
by Elizabeth Davenport
Thursday. February 15
1:00 - 7:30 p.m. Registration, Upper Lobby, Hilton
Delegates have been elected, rooms blocked and buses 3:00-4:00 p.m. Small Group Leader Orientation
reserved — the 1 1 3th annual convention of the Diocese of East 4:00 - 5 :00 p.m. Convention Orientation
Carolina is rapidly approaching. Once again the Episcopalians 5:00 - 6 :00 p.m. Welcoming Social, Lower Lobby (cash bar)
in the Diocese of East Carolina will gather to share, to worship, 7:15 p.m.
First bus from Hilton to St. James' for opening worship service
to work, and yes, to play. 8:00 - 9 :15 p.m.
Cross The 1 13th annual convention will be held in Wilmington 9:30 p.m. Festival Celebration of the Holy Eucharist at St. James'
from Thursday, February 1 5 to Saturday, February 1 7. The 9:30- 10:30 p.m. RBeucseepst i roent,u r nS t .t o J aHmielst'o n Parish Hall
convention will utilize the Hilton and the Coastline Inn for
Friday. February 16
meeting rooms. While worship services will be held at St.
6:30 - 8:00 a.m. ** Convention Breakfast included in room rate at Coastline Inn,
James' and St. Paul's churches, the entire Lower Cape Fear
deanery has come together to host the event. The local 8:30 a.m. Cnootn v iennctliuodne d b aetg i Hnisl t ownirt h Morning Prayer, Hilton
committee is excited to see its efforts come to fruition and 9:00 a.m.
Legislative Session, Hilton
encourages you to join in their enthusiasm. 11:30 - 12:30 p.m. Noon Day Prayer, Keynote Speaker,
This pre-convention issue of Cross Current seeks to The Rev. Canon Ben Helmer
prepare all the members of the diocese, whether they plan to 12:30 -2:00 p.m. Lunch at St. James1 (buses from Hilton)
attend convention or not, for the events and issues of the 2:00 - 3 :00 p.m. The Reverend Ben Helmer, Small Group Discussion
convention. This paper seeks to address the issues, explain the 3:15-4:30 p.m. FHuelalr i Cnognsv ention reconvenes
4:30 - 5 :30 p.m.
procedures, and identify the goals of the 1 13th Annual Diocesan 5:30 p.m.
Convention. 6:00 - 6 :30 p.m. Vans leave from Hilton for St. Paul's
C(Throarnaslp o Ervtaetnisoonn g av -a i Slta.b l Pea u lf'rso m Hilton)
Convention theme 7:30 p.m.
Social, Lower Lobby of Hilton (cash bar)
The 1996 convention theme. Celebrating Our Past, 8:00 p.m. Banquet - Dinner & Dancing,
Discerning Our Future, invites you to join in celebrating the Music by The Bob Russell Quartet
seventeen years of Bishop Sanders* ministry among us. There
are numerous reasons to rejoice — new ministries, church Saturday. February 17 ** Breakfast available
6:30 - 8 :00 a.m.
growth, and strengthened fellowship, to name a few.
8:30 a.m.
The theme also invites you to play a part in the future of Liturgy of the Word
9:00 a.m.
the diocese. To discern means to be able to distinguish 12:00 p.m. Legislative Session
mentally the value and essence of an idea. The Church today 12:30 p.m. Liturgy of the Table
faces many difficult and challenging questions. How will the Adjourn
Church change and adapt to the challenges of the future?
This question will be addressed by the guest speaker, the
Reverend Canon Ben E. Helmer, President of the Board of New The legislative side An opportunity for discussion of resolutions and the
Direction Ministries and Canon Missioner in charge of North This year the convention will officially begin diocesan budget is provided during hearings on Friday
East Regional Ministry. Diocese of Western Missouri, on at 8:30 a.m. on Friday morning with Morning afternoon from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. . The hearings provide
Pre-Convention
Friday of the convention. Following his address, facilitators Prayer. Unlike past years, when an optional time for an in-depth discussion of resolution topics or
1996
trained by Helmer, will lead small-group discussions. (Attend- Eucharist was offered on Friday morning in a budget issues. Delegates and other convention attendees
ees should check the number on their convention nametag; it separate meeting room. Morning Prayer will be are encouraged to use this time to raise questions and
will indicate which discussion group to join.) held in the main convention room for all voice concerns. The hearings are a time for dialogue, and
Your questions and thoughts may play a vital role in the discernment of our future. All convention attendees. can often help shorten debate on the conv ention floor.
Be a gossip
members of the diocese are invited to attend the convention as a guest or to share your thoughts Pat Howe, Diocesan Convention Chair, says,
with a convention delegate. Anyone planning to attend the convention or who wishes to offer "A change was made this year because of the
While the diocesan convention will take place in
additional input is encouraged to attend your January deanery meeting. (See the diocesan Convention theme. It is important to worship
calendar on page 16 for dates.) Members of the diocesan staff will attend these meetings to together w ith the entire corporate body of the Wilmington between February 15-17, the main work of
convention occurs once delegates and other convention
discuss the convention schedule of events and procedures, as well as the legislative process.
attendees return to their home churches.
"We need to be one as the body of Christ
New twists to convention schedule convention." According to my parish priest, the Reverend Charles
before we begin to address diocesan business,"
she continues. The convention committee made Gill, the word gossip originated from the word God-Sib,
Whether you are an "old hat" or a "first-timer," the 1996 convention offers several new
items on the schedule. Perhaps most notable is the convention orientation offered at 4:00 p.m. on the change because they feel a prayerful environ- an idea found in the Service of Holy Baptism. "By
Thursday, February 15. The orientation will give new delegates an idea of what to expect from ment is t he best way to begin the work of example and by witness, the Godparent is considered to
be a God-Sibling, a brother or sister in Christ," explains
cprooncveednutrieo,n haenadr i nwg s il,l heetlc.p "seasoned" delegates make sense out of things like parliamentary carryiTnhge ocuot n vGeondt'iso n w i"llw o irnk " o u ro r d i tohcee s beu.s iness of Gill. In the service of Baptism, a Godparent takes vows
that he or she w ill tell the story of faith to the newly
There will be plenty of opportunities for social gatherings at the convention. The Hilton will the diocese, occurs in several arenas. During the
baptized, hence he or she will gossip.
have social hours with a cash bar on Thursday at 5:00 p.m. and on Friday at 7:30 p.m.. Alcohol- legislative sessions reports are given by various
ics Anonymous will hold meetings during these same times in Boardroom B of the Hilton. A departments and diocesan ministries; elections are Join your brothers and sisters in East Carolina — be a
held for General Convention deputies and God-Sib; attend your pre-convention deanery meeting;
reception will be held following the opening Holy Eucharist at St. James' on Thursday evenings. come to convention; talk to delegates before they go and
diocesan offices, such as standing committee,
The culminating social event, Friday night's dinner, promises to be spectacular. Jane trustees of the diocese, executive council; the once they return; help tell the story; celebrate the past;
Martin, chair of the local convention committee explains, "The banquet will be a sit-down dinner
diocesan budget is approved; and resolutions are and discern the future.
for everyone registered. Afterwards we will dance to music of Bob Russell's big band era voted upon.
quartet." The committee also has a few surprises in store for the evening.
QLueinette n Day
Preparing for Trinity Center
convention celebrates 10
and Retreat
pages 1 - 3
Insert D
Insert A-D application
years
My Dear Sisters and Brothers in
Christ:
It's a few short days after Christmas, and I The deanery of t he
want to write about sunshine and birds singing
Bishop
and new babies and joy and peace and love. I
don't want to think about deformed babies or
Lower Cape J7e ar
Bosnia or Nigeria or the Sudan. I w ant to visu-
invites you for
alize happy, healthy, well-fed, dearly loved
childen. I d on't want to think about refugee
m
children or malnourished children or children
bald from the results of chemotherapy. I w ant dinner and dancing
H the world I l ive in to be "just right", not full of
pain and suffering and tragedy and death. I
want everyone to be well and healthy and Friday, February 16
happy, including me.
What is real; happiness and victory or unre- at eight o'ctocf^
lieved tragedy and pain? Both. What is real; a ^Tfie Oiitton
m
stable, a cross, or an empty tomb? All three. We
can all be assured that in this life we will know
both the height and depth of what it m eans to be
70 human. We will know the joy and the tragedy Wdmington, 9{prth Carotina
of being alive.
These poor words will be read by some folks whose
lives are in a real good place right now. These words will
admission with nametag coat and tie
be read by some folks who are suffering incredible pain.
The pain may be physical or emotional. It may be the
pain of sudden tragedy, or chronic mind-numbing fatigue.
Let me say a word to you. Do not try to minimize your
pain. Do not attempt to escape it, e xplain it a way, or run
Bishop: The Right Reverend B. Sidney Sanders
from it. It is a real part of your life. When we lose some-
Editor: Alicia Alford
one we love, we have a responsibility to ourselves to
grieve. But we also have a responsibility to look for our
Cross Current's purpose is to communicate how we are keeping
Saviour in the midst of our grief and pain. If we cannot Cross
the Cross current in our daily lives and in the ministries of the
find him there, we need to talk to someone who can help
Diocese of East Carolina.
us discern His presence.
The Bible does not tell us that being Christian will
To contribute material or ideas contact the editor at 1119
o
protect us from, or even lessen our grief and pain. It does
Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, NC 28540, (910) 938-1017. Fax
tell us that God in Christ will be with us in its midst and
(910) 938-3415.
that grief and pain will never ever have the final word. Next Deadline: February 23
I a m sorry you are hurting. I a sk you to trust in the
unfathomable richness of God's 70 Subscriptions & Contributions: Every household with mem-
love. You will never ever be fur- bers of a n Episcopal Church in the Diocese of East Carolina
ther than it c an reach. Thanks be to should receive a Cross Current free of charge. Cross Current is
God. May God have mercy upon sent to households outside the diocese upon request. Cross
our pain. Thanks be to God. 70 Current does accept contributions to help cover printing and
mailing costs. These may be sent to The Diocese of East Caro-
lina, P.O. Box 1336, Kinston, NC 28503.
m
Change of address should be sent to Cross Current, 1119
/J
Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, NC 28540. Please note the name
of your church with the address change and include the mailing
label or the c.c.# on the label.
PAGE 2 CROSS CURRENT
JANUARY 1996
An interview with Bishop Sanders on the eve
CEUbRAiiNq
Our of the election of a coadjutor There have been
by Katerina K Whitley some disappointments but
ment work taking place in East not many. Without
He came to the Carolina, the work of San Mateo missing a beat he speaks
Diocese of East parish in Bath, and Good Shepherd of his disappointment in
Carolina in 1979 as ministries in Wilmington.
stewardship: "I think what
we have done is one
^^fc^^^ the bishop
"Everyone of these minis- thousandth of what we
^J■^^^^fAc cwiotahd j uat o srw,e e ta msamni le, tries," he s ays, "has a human face could do if we were givers
connected with it: Amy Trester and
|^0^^^^^ hbiesn t h efaodr w asrlidg h talsy he now Holly Christofferson, Jud instead of hoarders," he
says.
^^j^^^^bAk wfoarltkhe, d b abcakc k a n adn d pMraeydfeiceelsds,o r sS,u s aGna r Hya s Fsuolnt o na n adn d h e rT on found T hiits s u mcah n a wj hoyo thoa sb e
^^L^^^V^ ^ J cl oud ionf smoke bishop is not an easy
lingering to him in WhiteHsied e r.a"t es Youth Ministry next
optimist. "My concern
those days. We fell Trinity Center dedication. July 1986. in line of accomplishments. "Any "fiosr tthhee scahmuerc h a,s" m hye says,
in love with B.
young person who goes through
Sidney Sanders immediately, especially after our camping program, Happening, New Beginnings will be a concern for the country.
hearing him speak from the pulpit with an completely different person." He adds that the young people The only voices that are
intimacy and directness that left us breathless: continue to group together after high school, that they make heard are those of
the man was speaking to each one of us privately and yet, there he friendships that last. "I am probably proudest of the fact that young extremists. I l ike to
was, addressing the whole congregation. The strange, quivering people know me and I k now them," he says, crediting Carol Taylor to people who
quality of his voice gave a special warmth and tenor to his words. for her work with them.
speak clearly and
thinks his clergy
His affection for the diocesan, Bishop Hunley Elebash, was
Trinity Center is next, "probably the heart and soul of the sanely." He
fall in the
obvious, and that helped the diocese heal when Bishop Elebash's diocese." He is looking forward to the 1 O th anniversary of the
heart condition became known. The people of the diocese knew creation of the center, this coming summer.
category of sane
they were in good hands with Bishop Sanders. clearly.
people who speak
Was the tone he set for the diocese accidental, a result of his
And then the news hit hard. Bishop Sanders was suffering personality and character or purposeful?
from throat cancer. Long weeks of misery followed for him, weeks He reflects
of silence when he could not use his voice box, a discipline which on these years
"Most definitely purposeful," he answers. "I wanted a diocese
must have changed him in ways that only he knows. that offered Christian hospitality, welcome, and affirmation of which brought so
people's gifts. Fortunately, I w as able to do that personally and with tmhaen yd io ccheasen,g es to
In 1983 he was consecrated diocesan, Bishop of East Carolina,
the support of my staff whom I c redit for that tone." He adds a
and his imprint was felt immediately. His vision for Trinity Center sentence that has become characteristic of his attitude as bishop. "I which have given Camp Trinity.
altered the face of the diocese. When the three small camps of the wanted to show that it is a lot of fun to be a Christian." to East Carolina a
diocese were closed, many were hurt and complained, but he never name as one of the finest dioceses, where hospitality and welcome
waivered from that vision; now, there is not a soul, both in the His next comments focus on the clergy of the diocese. "I are immediately felt. He does not mention the painful bout with the
diocese and outside, that does not mention the place as the "the inherited from Bishop Elebash a tradition of excellence in clergy, return of cancer which has attacked his lungs and is being stabilized
finest camp and conference center" anywhere. and that continues. I a m fortunate that they are dedicated to our with chemotherapy. He focuses on his beloved diocese and the staff
Lord and His church; they are competent and hard-working, they he admires and praises.
Yet, when asked if he considers this his greatest accomplish-
offer good solid leadership in difficult times."
ment in t he past 1 3 years he says without hesitation, "No. The Then he concludes: "In our society, being in any position of
number one accomplishment is our growth in Servant Ministries." He is also very pleased about the reawakened interest in authority is extremely tough. But East Carolina is a praying
spirituality and delighted that there are priests and lay people who
community. Prayer supports and enables the bishop's job. It is not
He singles out the ministry to farmworkers in Newton Grove
do not teach that "God exists to make me feel good!"
and beyond, the Shepherd's Staff in Belhaven, the refugee resettle-
easy, but it i s fun."
St. Andrew's Church
St. Christopher's, Elizabethtown,
makes great strides!
welcomes full-time priest
Little could Susie Cole of St. Christopher's in Elizabethtown have known the
difference the small church would make when she began recruiting members for Team
by Joe West
Success WSti.l mCihrnigsttoonp.h er's to participate in the 1995 Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Walk in
After years of sharing a part-time priest, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Goldsboro
finally has one of its own.
Rather than just wait for individuals to respond to the walk-a-thon entry forms
The Rev. Christian Umeofia was installed as the rector Nov. 1 9, during a gala celebra- brought to the church by Lisa Richey, a fellow parishioner who was diagnosed with MS
tion that also marked the 88th anniversary of the church. a few years ago, Cole began organizing a team effort. What a difference the team
"We like it j ust fine here," said Fr. Umeofia. "Goldsboro is a quiet place, very friendly made, not only on the books of the MS Society but also in the life of Lisa Richey.
and the weather is not too bad even with the snow storm." "It was real humbling . . . a nd it was a ball," said Richey, who also participated in
the walk.
Fr. Umeofia is originally from Nigeria and has been a priest since 1988. He did his
undergraduate work at Central State University in Oklahoma and attended the seminary of the Multiple Sclerosis is a disease that randomly attacks the nervous system. An
Southwest in Austin, Texas. He served several churches in Mississippi before coming to East unpredictable disease, it u sually strikes people between the ages of 20 to 40, wearing
Carolina. away at their nervous system. The symptoms range from numbness to paralysis and
blindness.
He and his wife, Faith, have one son, Timothy.
While only here a short time, he already has delved into the work that lies ahead. "I was diagnosed not long after i j oined St. Christopher's," explained Richey.
"They have been through the whole process with me from the freak-out period to the
"One of the great needs of the church is to grow both in numbers and spiritually," said
Umeofia. He has been working closely with the vestijy on long-range goals, outreach and
organizational structure for the church. accept"Iatn cwea s p efruino dt.o" be a part of the walk with my church family. That meant a lot."
The vestry and members of the congregation are delighted to finally have their own Prior to the event the team gathered at Richey's house to make custom-made team
t-shirts. Not only was the eleven-adult, four-child team visible during the walk, their
priest. St. Andrew's was "yoked" for many years with St. Augustine's in Kinston and shared
the Rev. Joseph Banks. After retiring in 1978, he continued to conduct services at St. etfhfeo r ltasr g ewsetr e t e naomt i caendd awso n w e ltlh.e aTweaarmd Sfto.r C thhre i sttoopp h feurn'dsr a irseicnegi v etde a ma n b hyo n roarisaibnlge $ m92e7n.t ion for
Andrew's on alternating Sundays. Speaking to Richey on the phone, one has no idea that the cheerful voice on the
"These are definitely exciting times for us as we look at all the possibilities for growth other end is battling such a debilitating disease. She is up-beat, supportive and
and outreach," said Neal Stitt, the long-time senior warden.
encouraging. She is proud that St. Christopher's, one of the smaller churches in the
Stitt expressed his gratitude to the sister churches in Goldsboro that helped celebrate St. diocese, made such an impact.
Andrew's anniversary and the arrival of the new priest. "Everybody is sick in some way, we just all have to love and care for each other,"
"The ladies of St. Stephen's and St. Francis got together and put on a lavish reception for Richey reminds us.
us," he added.
JANUARY 1996 CROSS CURRENT PAGE 3
St. Francis Doubles Giving Levels in All-Member Canvass
by Braun Campbell Episcopalians, have been made to reduce their pledges to their home church
but to also remember St. Franc is-by-the-
feel comfortable about, but it's
what allows us to conduct the
What do a rector's wife's Baptist roots, that same rector's
retirement and a Methodist meeting hall have in common? They've business of the Church." Vestry Sets Example
Fagan says that entering
all contributed to St. Francis-by-the-Sea's explosive stewardship
growth . . . p ledges for 1996 more than doubled what was given in retirement (his second one!) made Fagan says that stewardship is also
1995. him feel more comfortable about
important by example. "The vestry
discussing money and tithing members signed a stewardship statement
Family Atmosphere Contributes to Commitment with members of St. Francis. to show their support for the canvass and
And to what does St. Francis attribute its recent good "We had been actively pursuing were the first ones to hand in pledge
land to purchase to build a cards. We encouraged everyone to tithe,
fortune? "There's no magic formula, except divine intervention,"
laughs Donna Getty, founding member and former senior warden sanctuary but backed off that as but if that wasn't possible to commit to
we realized we still had empty
(she completes her term this month). "We're a young parish and some level of proportionate giving."
have a real sense of family. We've been through 'ups and downs' chairs in our present location," he St. Francis-by-the-Sea's unique
together and have recently been on a positive upswing that we says. "We then began to turn to Stewardship is no laughing matter at history also contributed to a successful
wanted to continue," she says. "With the pledges we received this stewardship as our focus, and I St. Francis-by-the Sea. Sea."
year, we are able to call a full-time rector, rather than share one also gave a series of witnessing hcaadm p asio g nm,u c ha c choerldpi n fgr o mt o o Ftahgera n .p ar "isWhee'sv e i n
type sermons on tithing. While I d oubt that they turned the tide on both the Dioceses of East Carolina and the Diocese of North Carolina,
with another parish."
and had recently worked out a plan with Fr. Matt Stockard in
"Since Fr. Frank Fagan will be retiring, we've realized how giving," he laughs, "they did set the tone for our every-member
important it is to have a full-time rector and members pulled Beaufort to share a rector. Although the plan was not used, his
together to make it possible through increased giving levels." The adage, "it takes money to make money" also played a role ingenuity and help gave us the impetus to realize we could hire a
According to Getty, Fr. Fagan's role in preparing the parish for a icna n Svta. s sF.r'a'n cis' all-member canvass. "We used that philosophy to rector with the support of the Commission of Congregational
"stewardship frame of mind" was also instrumental in the parish's sponsor a dinner at the Dunes Club in Morehead City for the - Development. Plus, the fact that we have received so many gifts from
other parishes it makes us realize how important giving is to the life
stewardship growth. "Usually, stewardship time is such an stewardship campaign and asked the Rev. Tom Bowers to speak,"
uncomfortable event for parishioners," she says, "but Fr. Fagan says Fagan. "We saw the dinner as an investment."
gave a series of sermons long before stewardship month. His Fr. Bowers, who retired in Eastern North Carolina from St. and pGrrosopwetrhi t yi n o mf e tmhbee rCshuhricph . "i s also another area that testifies to St.
eloquent delivery, humor and insight set us in the right frame of Bartholomew's in New York City, has had broad experience with Francis' strength and spirit. This past year, 19 people were con-
mind to pledge. He made us realize it's not a once-a-year burden, stewardship and giving. He's also widely revered as a dynamic firmed. "We're definitely a growth church," says Getty.
but a year-round form of worship. speaker and presenter. This month marks Getty's retirement as senior warden, and
According to Getty, the dinner was a wise investment. "I Easter begins Fagan's second retirement, one he hopes will last
Tithing Tied to Worship recommend Fr. Bowers to any church that needs to jump-start its longer than his first. Both credit the other with keeping St. Francis
For many Episcopalians, tithing is a dirty word. "I had the campaign." By the end of the evening, all pledges were handed in. headed toward growth and a successful all-member canvass. And
good fortune to marry a Baptist. Tithing is part of their heritage," And the night did more than jump-start their giving program — it both are greatly appreciated by parish members.
quips Fr. Fagan. "I had never heard of it as I g rew up in the catapulted it! In 1995 pledges totaled $32,500, and this year, they For Fagan, though, Welcome Happy Morning will never sound
Episcopal Church, or even in seminary. But my wife and I h ave reached $69,000, quite an accomplishment for the small parish,
as good as it sounds this coming Easter. He plans to "disappear"
which includes 72 adult members and 32 children. from St. Francis for several months to give its new rector a good time
talked about it a lot in our marriage. It's an important commitment
According to Fagan, there are 55 pledging units, which include
to make to God and the Church and is intrinsically tied to worship." for adjustment. "I look forward to worshipping in other parishes," he
Fagan acknowledges that giving 10 percent of one's income or 19 from other communities. "As a summer church home for many says. "It's good to retire in your home diocese. Still, I w ill miss St.
even committing a set amount to give is enough to make any
worshippers, we had to be careful about the canvass," he says. "I Francis. In my 30-plus years of ministry, it's been the most fun I've
sent a letter to our summer worshippers and asked them not to
parishioner squirm in the pew. "Money's just not something we, as had in any parish, and that's a good note to retire on."
Mainline churches aren 't s upposed to be growing, so what is it
about St. Andrew 's-on-the-Sound?
by Susan Taylor Block
hundreds of Wilmingtonians who spent their
"Thus far this year, our membership has which St. Andrew's is becoming famous
grown from 521 to 633, a net increase of 1 12, or summers on the sound. Some worshipers walked "People respond warmly to Bill and
to services on the shell-topped roads. Others appreciate the feeling of community
21.5%, with 2 112 months left in the year.' So
wrote Art Cutter, the Senior Warden of little St. arrived on horseback, in a buggy, or simply poled
which he promotes," said past Senior
their small boats across the marshes or up Warden Victor Grainger Taylor.
Andrew's on the Sound in Wilmington in the
November 1995 newsletter. The statistic grabbed Bradley Creek. Another former senior warden
the attention of several readers outside of the Thankfully, Lebanon Chapel looks today concurred. "Bill seems to attract
parish but was no surprise to the members of one much as it d id then. The Greco-Gothic vernacu- energetic people with a sincere desire to
of the fastest growing churches around. There lar structure is on the National Register of be spiritually and emotionally healthy.
are four primary reasons for this phenomenal Historic Places and has been spared the invasive Diverse people feel welcome and
growth: the minister and location, location, indignities of central heat and air conditioning.
comfortable in our parish," added Pat
location. Regardless, parishioners and tourists pack the Howe.
Though it looks like it b elongs in the English pews on sultry summer mornings. They fan Trimble humbly attributes his part
themselves, swat mosquitoes and get dreamy in all this to an attitude and not to
countryside, St. Andrew's borders one of
looks on their faces when gentle breezes float
wWhiilcmhi n gotvoern ' st hi rbtuys i tehsto u sianntder s eccartsi o ntsr a v-e l o n oen tahnr ough through the big screenless windows. dpeernsoomnianla t cihoanrsi s mhau.n g e"rA s f o rm a girnolwitnhe, some oFrn.- t Threi-mSbloeu n dg,r ee tWsi l mwionrgsthoinp.p er at St. Andrew's
Beyond the advantages of its geography, St. have run scared and tried to be all things
average day. Wilmington's population has
exploded in the past few years and much of that Andrew's has an irrepressible human asset. The to all people. We, as Episcopal clergy and laity international recognition and over 250 copy-
growth has taken place within a few miles of St. Reverend Bill Trimble, St. Andrew's rector, is a simply need to have the courage to be who we righted compositions to his name.
Andrew's. Wrightsville Beach, Landfall, and the perpetually exuberant prelate whose sermons are already are. I e mbrace a liberal, inclusive ethos Just like the physical intersection which
soundfront subdivisions have attracted hordes of occasionally controversial but always thought that is an integral part of the Anglican tradition — borders the church, St. Andrew's is now a busy,
new residents, many of them retirees. The provoking. His talks range from succinct lessons and I h ave not departed from it. Visitors have thriving intersection of people. Lifelong
charming 1923 church at the intersection attracts on the original languages of the Bible to candid responded to the openess and become members sounders kneel beside Californians who work at
them, as does its parent building around the commentaries on his own faith walk and are who contribute to a wide variety of talents and
Wilmington's movie studio. Proud Southerners
corner: Lebanon Chapel. Eight o'clock summer delivered in a folksy way from somewhere in the abilities. St. Andrew's is a breath of fresh air." get to know proud Northerners. (We try not to
services are held at Lebanon, a chapel built in front center aisle of the church. Bill and his wife, In 1994, Bill helped lure his old friend Dr. use the Y-word.) Natives and newcomers share
1 835 by Dr. Thomas Henry Wright, a member of Susan, host festive parties year-round in their Sam Bart Owens from Louisville to serve as their experiences. And all of us try to figure out
the family for whom Wrightsville Beach was home to welcome newcomers and to help minister of music. 'Dr. O,' as he is affectionately where we'll put the next 633 members.
named. At the time, Lebanon Chapel served the promote the camaraderie among members for called, has a string of post-graduate degrees,
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