![]() With the recent retirement of the Rev. Chris Huff as rector at St. George's Episcopal Church in Summerville, Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley has asked the Rev. Dow Sanderson, priest-in-charge at Good Shepherd, Summerville, to serve as Dean of the West Charleston Deanery (a role previously held by Fr. Chris). In sharing the news with the deans, Bishop Ruth offered thanks for the "steady, pastoral, wise leadership" of Fr. Chris and expressed joy and thankfulness that Fr. Dow has agreed to take on this added responsibility. Many thanks to the Very Rev. Dow Sanderson! ![]() Diocesan youth (grades 9-12) are invited to attend Happening #4 on April 8-10 at St. Christopher Camp & Conference Center on Seabrook Island. What is Happening? It's a spiritual weekend for youth, led by youth, that are commonly held in Episcopal dioceses throughout the country. As we continue to live through this pandemic, with the health and safety of all leaders and attendees in mind, the Bishop recently shared COVID-19 protocols for youth events in the diocese. View at this link. The cost for the weekend is $125 per person, and scholarships are available. For more information on this or anything else about Happening, contact Diocesan Ministry Developer Andrea McKellar at [email protected]. Register by Monday, March 21, at this link. ![]() On Sunday, February 13, at 4 pm, the Rt. Rev. Ruth Woodliff-Stanley will officiate and preach at the institution of the Rev. Charles Jenkins as Director of Pastoral Care and Chaplain at Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community in a service of Choral Evensong and The Celebration of a New Ministry on the (transferred) Feast of the Presentation. The service will be held in the Chapel at Bishop Gadsden. Special guest choir will be from The Church of the Holy Communion in Charleston. All are welcome to attend and a reception will follow the service. Bishop Gadsden asks that you please wear a mask if you plan on attending the service.
When is Sacred Ground coming to South Carolina?
![]() The newly-formed Children and Youth Commission held their first meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, February 2. During Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley's address at Diocesan Convention, she shared her vision for this committee and it's importance in the diocese. She appointed the Rev. Laura Rezac (St. Stephen's, Charleston) and George H. McDaniel (Good Shepherd, Summerville) as co-chairs of the commission. Other members include Nick Kohlmann (Grace Church Cathedral, Charleston), Josh Bullock (Holy Cross Faith Memorial, Pawleys Island), Jesse McIlwre (All Saints, Hilton Head Island), and Andrea McKellar (Diocesan staff liaison). There is an additional member, yet to be named, that is reserved for the Voorhees College chaplain. The commission met to get to know each other, set a vision, and brainstorm for the future of programming. Their next meeting will be held on March 9. ![]() The Rev. Robert (Bob) Spencer passed away on January 25, 2022 in Boise, Idaho. The Rev. Spencer was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Gray Temple in 1972. He served in the Diocese of South Carolina as an Associate Priest at Church of the Holy Comforter, Sumter, as well as many roles in the Diocese of Upper South Carolina. He most recently served in the Diocese of Wyoming and the Diocese of Idaho. Read his obituary at this link. Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord; let light perpetual shine upon him. Amen
![]() Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley and the Racial Justice and Reconciliation Commission traveled to Sumter and Wedgefield on Saturday, January 29, for their regular meeting (held at Patriot Hall in Sumter) and to tour and learn about the history of Good Shepherd, Sumter, and St. Augustine’s, Wedgefield, two of the historically African-American parishes in our diocese. It was also an opportunity to see art exhibits currently on display at Good Shepherd, Sumter, and in the gallery at Patriot Hall featuring the works of South Carolina artist Susan Lenz. Of the visits Commission Co-Chair Gail DeCosta remarked, "It was clear from both of these visits, that although their congregations are small in number, their churches are sacred spaces, filled with the spirit and dedicated parishioners." View more pictures from the event on the diocesan Facebook page at this link.
Bishop Ruth outlined at Diocesan Convention in November her focus on creating a culture where we all feel stable and safe, connected to one another, and are able to be courageous and visionary together. To help foster this culture, the Bishop is working to gather and offer resources to equip and further develop our lay leaders and clergy. Vestry/Mission Council 101 is the first such initiative, designed to provide an opportunity for vestry and mission council members to gather together and be equipped for the work ahead, while building connections with one another.
The bishop asked the Rev. William Coyne to be the facilitator for this program, and he has prepared the sessions. Fr. Bill has served as a diocesan congregational development officer and in our diocese as Missioner for Returning Congregations. The first event, hosted by the Southern Deanery, will be offered virtually on Zoom due to the continued and sustained rate of COVID transmission in their local area and the state. Zoom information will be sent to all who register for this event, and the event (on February 12) is open to anyone in the Southern Deanery, and also anyone who is interested in the training, but would prefer to attend virtually. Each deanery is scheduled to host their own event on the following dates: Southern Deanery - NOW VIRTUAL THROUGH ZOOM Saturday, February 12, 2022, 9 am to 12 pm West Charleston Deanery Saturday, February 19, 2022, 9 am to 12 pm St. George's Episcopal Church, Summerville Pee Dee – Waccamaw Deanery Saturday, February 26, 2022, 9 am to 12 pm Holy Cross Faith Memorial Episcopal Church, Pawleys Island Peninsula Deanery Saturday, March 5, 2022, 9 am to 12 pm Holy Communion Episcopal Church, Charleston Points of contact at each congregation have been sent information about how to register as a team. Not sure of your deanery? Learn more on our website at this link. |
News BlogThe Diocese of SC Archives
March 2025
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