|
Companion Diocese Relationship |
|
Led by the Holy Spirit, the Discernment Team of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama chose the Dioceses of the Virgin Islands and Alaska to enter into its next companion relationship. Then, at its Convention in 2015, the Episcopal Diocese of the Virgin Islands accepted the Call and agreed to the partnership. After almost a year of conversation and prayers, both Dioceses have come to an agreement to work together to build up the Kingdom of God, each working in harmony with the other.
In August of 2015, The Right Reverend E. Ambrose Gumbs, Bishop of the Virgin Islands, led a delegation to Alabama : Miss Marisa Gibson , the Diocesan Youth Representative, The Reverend Sandra Malone of the British Virgin Islands, Mrs. Irose Payne-Chalon , Bishop’s Regional Dean, Mrs. Riise Richards of the Cathedral Church of All Saints and Mrs. Alecia Wells of St. Ursula’s Mission in St. John comprised the delegation. We were hosted by Mrs. Lee Hoerner, a member of the new Companion Diocese.
In a Friday, August 14, 2015 retreat, The Right Reverend Santosh Marray joined the Alabama team of Mrs. Lee Hoerner, The Reverend Kathi Jacob, The Reverend Judy Quick, Mrs. Katherine Tooker, and the Reverend CJ VanSlyke . At the retreat, the group brainstormed to suggest the various ways through which both Dioceses could share mission experiences, engage youth, develop both clergy and lay leadership, and deepen our relationship through shared worship and spirituality.
On Saturday the group had the opportunity to visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute in preparation for the Johnathan Daniel’s Pilgrimage, a moving event in memory of Jonathan Daniels and all the martyrs of the Civil Rights movement. The principal weekend event was the Jonathan Daniels & Martyrs of Alabama Pilgrimage Saturday Aug. 15 beginning at 11:00 a.m. in the Lowndes County Courthouse Square in Hayneville. The pilgrimage concluded with a special service in the Lowndes county courtroom where Daniels killer was tried and acquitted by an all-white jury of men. Holy Eucharist was celebrated from the judge’s bench-turned into an altar; the preacher was Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. The entire visit was spirit filled, enjoyable and most memorable.
The following prayer for our companion Dioceses was authored by Mrs. Riise Richards, a member of the Virgin Islands Companion Committee . The prayer will be made part of the cycle of prayers in the churches of each Diocese.
Prayer for Our Companion Dioceses: Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we ask your blessings and favor upon our Companion Diocese Covenant among the Diocese of Alabama, the Diocese of Alaska, and the Diocese of the Virgin Islands. May we fully commit to praying diligently and unceasingly for the success of all of our missions, that through this relationship we are bound to share our love of Christ and of each other, to share our knowledge and resources, to further the understanding of the reconciliation of all Christians to God, to support and to help those who are in need, and to nourish the spiritually deficient for the furtherance of God’s kingdom. Amen.
To further build on our Companion relationship, a Delegation from the Diocese of Alabama visited the Virgin Islands January 15-19, 2016. They were welcomed at the Cyril E. King Airport by a welcome committee and then because The Virgin islands Diocese spans several islands, members of the delegation were divided into three teams and were shepherded to their various islands. Rev Catherine Collier, Rev Mary Catherine Akamatsu, Ms. Katherine Tooker remained in the St. Thomas/St. John Deanery. The team serving in the St. Croix Deanery was Bishop. Santosh Marray and Rev. Judy Quick, Deacon, and the team of Mr. Roger Holliday, Rev. Kathi Jacob, Deacon and Ms. Caitlin Lollar served in The Deanery of the Virgin Islands (British). On Friday evening, January 15, 2016, each group of delegates was welcomed at a reception that allowed them to meet some members of our congregants. On Saturday January16, a total of 150+ persons participated in the workshops offered on all three Deaneries. The themes discussed were: spiritual formation especially Cursillo and retreats; youth engagement in mission work and camps; and clergy development to include: personal development, clergy retreats and clergy exchanges. The groups brought up other topics for discussion as well.
On Sunday the Alabama participants were welcomed at various churches on the islands they were visiting. Some were invited to preach. All the teams returned to St. Thomas on Sunday evening for a service at Nazareth by the Sea, followed by an Agape Meal. Then On Monday morning, some participated in a tour of St. Thomas. A Eucharist in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was celebrated by Bishop Gumbs at Magens Bay. After a sumptuous lunch the teams gathered to summarize the findings of each group.
Very special thanks and angelic halos are extended to all those in the Virgin Islands who assisted to make this event a spirit filled, memorable occasion. Both dioceses now look forward to implementing the plan of action agreed upon by both parties. We move forward in the strength of our creator and provider, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
In August of 2015, The Right Reverend E. Ambrose Gumbs, Bishop of the Virgin Islands, led a delegation to Alabama : Miss Marisa Gibson , the Diocesan Youth Representative, The Reverend Sandra Malone of the British Virgin Islands, Mrs. Irose Payne-Chalon , Bishop’s Regional Dean, Mrs. Riise Richards of the Cathedral Church of All Saints and Mrs. Alecia Wells of St. Ursula’s Mission in St. John comprised the delegation. We were hosted by Mrs. Lee Hoerner, a member of the new Companion Diocese.
In a Friday, August 14, 2015 retreat, The Right Reverend Santosh Marray joined the Alabama team of Mrs. Lee Hoerner, The Reverend Kathi Jacob, The Reverend Judy Quick, Mrs. Katherine Tooker, and the Reverend CJ VanSlyke . At the retreat, the group brainstormed to suggest the various ways through which both Dioceses could share mission experiences, engage youth, develop both clergy and lay leadership, and deepen our relationship through shared worship and spirituality.
On Saturday the group had the opportunity to visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute in preparation for the Johnathan Daniel’s Pilgrimage, a moving event in memory of Jonathan Daniels and all the martyrs of the Civil Rights movement. The principal weekend event was the Jonathan Daniels & Martyrs of Alabama Pilgrimage Saturday Aug. 15 beginning at 11:00 a.m. in the Lowndes County Courthouse Square in Hayneville. The pilgrimage concluded with a special service in the Lowndes county courtroom where Daniels killer was tried and acquitted by an all-white jury of men. Holy Eucharist was celebrated from the judge’s bench-turned into an altar; the preacher was Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. The entire visit was spirit filled, enjoyable and most memorable.
The following prayer for our companion Dioceses was authored by Mrs. Riise Richards, a member of the Virgin Islands Companion Committee . The prayer will be made part of the cycle of prayers in the churches of each Diocese.
Prayer for Our Companion Dioceses: Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we ask your blessings and favor upon our Companion Diocese Covenant among the Diocese of Alabama, the Diocese of Alaska, and the Diocese of the Virgin Islands. May we fully commit to praying diligently and unceasingly for the success of all of our missions, that through this relationship we are bound to share our love of Christ and of each other, to share our knowledge and resources, to further the understanding of the reconciliation of all Christians to God, to support and to help those who are in need, and to nourish the spiritually deficient for the furtherance of God’s kingdom. Amen.
To further build on our Companion relationship, a Delegation from the Diocese of Alabama visited the Virgin Islands January 15-19, 2016. They were welcomed at the Cyril E. King Airport by a welcome committee and then because The Virgin islands Diocese spans several islands, members of the delegation were divided into three teams and were shepherded to their various islands. Rev Catherine Collier, Rev Mary Catherine Akamatsu, Ms. Katherine Tooker remained in the St. Thomas/St. John Deanery. The team serving in the St. Croix Deanery was Bishop. Santosh Marray and Rev. Judy Quick, Deacon, and the team of Mr. Roger Holliday, Rev. Kathi Jacob, Deacon and Ms. Caitlin Lollar served in The Deanery of the Virgin Islands (British). On Friday evening, January 15, 2016, each group of delegates was welcomed at a reception that allowed them to meet some members of our congregants. On Saturday January16, a total of 150+ persons participated in the workshops offered on all three Deaneries. The themes discussed were: spiritual formation especially Cursillo and retreats; youth engagement in mission work and camps; and clergy development to include: personal development, clergy retreats and clergy exchanges. The groups brought up other topics for discussion as well.
On Sunday the Alabama participants were welcomed at various churches on the islands they were visiting. Some were invited to preach. All the teams returned to St. Thomas on Sunday evening for a service at Nazareth by the Sea, followed by an Agape Meal. Then On Monday morning, some participated in a tour of St. Thomas. A Eucharist in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was celebrated by Bishop Gumbs at Magens Bay. After a sumptuous lunch the teams gathered to summarize the findings of each group.
Very special thanks and angelic halos are extended to all those in the Virgin Islands who assisted to make this event a spirit filled, memorable occasion. Both dioceses now look forward to implementing the plan of action agreed upon by both parties. We move forward in the strength of our creator and provider, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
