Youth Network Catches the Spirit

Province II youth got a good look at one another as they gathered for pizza during the Episcopal Youth Event this past July in Berea Kentucky. The dioceses of New Jersy, Newark, New York, Long Island, Central New York, Rochester, Western New York, Haiti and the Virgin Islands were all represented. The two NJ, and three westernmost NY dioceses each joined forces to travel together to the event. This grew out of meetings of the diocesan coordinators leading up to EYE. The coordinators plan to continue meeting and help develop future provincial events.

Two other groups were "adopted" by the provincial network, the chaplaincies for Europe and Micronesia, and joined in the fun. So the Province II youth network came away from Berea as a "global" organization. We're glad they've become part of the provincial family and are looking forward for ways to stay in touch and grow our relationships.

The pizza party was an opportunity to meet and mingle plus the chance to hear about upcoming youth events from provincial coordinator, Jay Phillippi. Upcoming national programs include the "Faith in 3-D" event at Walt Disney World in January 2006 and the selection of the General Convention Official Youth Presence. Applications for both were distributed to each dioceses and group.

Looking ahead to 2006 the network is considering a provincial work group to help the areas affected by hurricane Katrina. While all decisions are still up in the air any person or parish interested in such an event should contact their diocesan youth coordinator or the provincial coordinator.

Jay Phillippi
<jdrp@cecomet.net>

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"Grow the Vision"
“Unless the Lord Builds the house, those who build it labor in vain" Psalm 127:1

It began in 1999. The question was asked, “What do we need for the next millennium?” Twenty people comprising the Futures Committee were charged with answering that question…. and were unanimous in their finding: a retreat and conference center was needed. Bishop Herzog summarized the vision: “Have a facility to first, equip and support lay leaders, priests and deacons across the Diocese, second, create a system, a missionary organization to deliver apostolic ministry, third, be the House of God and the Gate of Heaven, fourth, focus on a clear future: equip the local church, fifth, move from membership to discipleship, and sixth, move from a paper membership to a living relationship with Christ Our Lord.”

By fall 2002, the right location was found and purchased… a 612- acre property in Greenwich , New York . Shortly thereafter it was named Christ the King Spiritual Life Center . It was, as described by all involved, both the right name and the right place.

Now, after two and a half years, the Diocese is one step closer to fulfilling the vision. 94,337 square feet of buildings have thus far been remodeled or constructed (not including the 30,000 sq. ft. convent.) Already in place are: a Theological Library, Library Residential Wing, Garden Lodge, 2 Bungalows, Greenhouse, Christ the King Chapel, The Great Hall, Healing Ministry Center, 4 Youth Lodges, Staff Lodge, Welcome Center, Administrative Offices, Director's Residence, Regional Emergency Heliport, Trails, Bridges, Pavilion, Tennis Court, and Boathouse, just to name a few.

Now, September 4, 2005, begins the Christ the King Spiritual Life Center Growth Program, titled “Grow the Vision.” Dozens of volunteers are involved in the fundraising campaign designed to help ensure completion of the Spiritual Life Center . Supporting these volunteers are Cn. Mathew Baker, Director, Christ the King Spiritual Life Center , and Cn. Kay C. Hotaling, Director, Growth Program Campaign.

This fall, the initial opening ceremonies were held. The Bishop of Albany , Daniel Herzog, along with Albany 's Bishop Suffragan, David Bena, and the Bishop-In-Residence of the Cathedral of All Saints, David Ball, dedicated the new Convent of the Community of Saint Mary. There was a lovely high mass outside on the grounds. Over 150 were in attendance. Many religious communities joined the celebration. The priests who are associates of CSM served as Concelebrants. The Cathedral of All Saints lent the Cathedral Singers to make up the choir and there was a cellist. There were 2 thuribles used in the Procession and clouds of incense filled the Altar at the Offertory. The rain held out, too! Following the Festive Eucharist, there was a lovely supper served in the Welcome Center . Following dinner and dessert, Compline was offered in the Sister's chapel at 8:00. On the Feast of St. Mary the Virgin, the following day, the Bishop of Albany celebrated Eucharist in the Sister's chapel, this being their Patronal Day.

Visit the Center's website < www.albanydioceseslc.org > to see the construction photographs, plans for the complete center and more.

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Editor's Note

One of the things that pervade life in Province II is business. Everyone is running in at least six directions and asking anyone to help with anything always seems to be putting another burden on already overburdened shoulders. We are continually required to evaluate the things we have on our lists and make decisions about which ones really matter. I came across this list the other day and I thought it worth sharing with all of you:

THERE ARE TEN THINGS GOD WON'T ASK ON THAT DAY:

1... God won't ask what kind of car you drove. He'll ask how many people you drove who didn't have transportation.

2... God won't ask the square footage of your house, He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.

3... God won't ask about the clothes you had in your closet, He'll ask how many you helped to clothe.

4... God won't ask what your highest salary was. He'll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it.

5... God won't ask what your job title was. He'll ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability.

6... God won't ask how many friends you had. He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.

7... God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived, He'll ask how you treated your neighbors.

8... God won't ask about the color of your skin, He'll ask about the content of your character.

9... God won't ask why it took you so long to seek Salvation. He'll lovingly take you to your mansion in heaven, and not to the gates of Hell.

Jan
editor@grapevine.org

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Report from the Provincial Coordinator

The summer has passed without too much incident or activity. Of recent note is the fact the there have been two well-received provincial sessions on the “State of the Church”...one in New Brunswick, NJ and one in Rochester. A total of just under 50, mostly deputies or alternates, attended these meetings. We distributed copies of “Understanding the Windsor Report” and “ To Set Our Hope on Christ”. Key presentations were made by Paul Zahl and Ian Douglas, co-authors of “Understanding the Windsor Report” and Titus Presler, Professor at GTS. These meetings were reported favorably by ENS. We have taped versions of the presenters’ remarks which we will make available in the near future.

At our upcoming Provincial Council meeting, 10/21 & 10/22, I will report on my June visit to the Virgin Islands and the consecration of The Right Rev. Andrew Gumbs. I will also provide feedback about the Provincial Leadership Conference, held in Portland, OR in June.

This summer our Youth groups had a very fruitful and rewarding time at E.Y.E. in Berea, KY. Their activation is extremely heartwarming. We will hear reports from our networks at the Council meeting on Friday afternoon. Other items which will be before us at the Council meeting are issues associated with planning the Synod for next spring, General Convention, a summary evaluation of our May Convocation, a planned 2007 Convocation and several
financial matters I will distribute an agenda after Bp. McKelvey and I have collaborated on its specific content.

Chuck Perfater
chperfater@comcast.net

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