​A full team of 12 naturalists is now on staff at St. Christopher Camp & Conference Center on Seabrook Island. The Barrier Island Naturalists have been deep in training over the last few weeks exploring all the diverse ecosystems St. Christopher has to offer including the salt marsh, beach, wetlands and maritime forest. We are educating our naturalists on our classes offered to schools that visit from September to May while working on growing as a team, growing closer to the Lord and learning to work together. The Rev. Laura Rezac, executive director at St. Christopher, reports that she and the group are excited for the year together! 

Follow St. Christopher on Instagram! If you aren't already, consider following St. Christopher Camp & Conference Center on Instagram to keep up with all the latest news from this important part of our diocese. Find them @_stchristopher (and here: www.instagram.com/_stchristopher)!

Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley has called the Rev. Gregory Hodgson to serve as interim rector of St. George's, Summerville as they continue to search for their next rector. 

In a note to the congregation shared in their last newsletter, Father Greg expressed gratitude about the call. "First, I am delighted and overjoyed to have been offered and to have accepted the call to serve as the Interim Rector here at St. George's," said Fr. Greg. "In the short time that I have served as Sunday supply, I have come to know you as a community with a strong heart to grow in the knowledge and love of God, of one another, and your engagement with the needs of the world around you."

Hodgson has served as a parish priest for almost 40 years serving congregations in South Carolina, as well as in the Dioceses of Southern Virginia, Massachusetts, and Long Island (in New York, where he was raised). ​

Members of St. Bartholomew's, Hartsville, and St. David's, Cheraw, gathered in Hartsville on Thursday, August 17, to meet with the Rev. Canon Philip Linder, who serves as Canon to the Ordinary. Together, those gathered in person as well as those who attended on Zoom, discussed the future of both important churches in our diocese. Canon Linder was energized by the holy time spent with the faithful leadership of these two churches. "It was a meaningful time of hearing their thoughts and concerns, as we strategized together on their next steps for the mission and ministry of Christ Jesus," said Cn. Linder.

The Rev. Michael Bye has been faithfully serving both congregations since they returned to our diocese last year. Canon Linder expressed the gratitude from Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley and the entire diocese for Father Mike's remarkable leadership, as well as that of each parishioner who has been dedicated to the mission of each church throughout this season of transition. We look forward to sharing the good news about next steps for these congregations as soon as plans are finalized. ​

​Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley has called the Rev. Dr. Matthew McCormick to serve as rector of St. Thomas, North Charleston (Park Circle), effective August 1. Father McCormick has served the congregation as interim rector since February 2022.
 
“I am grateful the Rev. Matthew McCormick has accepted my call to serve as rector of St. Thomas,” said Bishop Woodliff-Stanley. “Father Matt brings a pastor’s heart, a love of preaching, and energy to grow the church to this historic North Charleston parish. I look forward to working with him and with the people of St. Thomas to build a strong Episcopal presence in this vitally important area of our diocese.”
 
A graduate of Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry, Luther Seminary (St. Paul), and the Sioux Falls Seminary, Father McCormick was ordained to the priesthood in 2008. He is looking forward to continuing to serve the people of St. Thomas. “I am deeply honored and humbled to be called to serve as Rector of the wonderful and incredible St Thomas Episcopal Church, Park Circle,” said Father McCormick. “I am immensely grateful to the search committee, the vestry, and our Bishop. All praise, honor, and glory be to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
 
The Vestry of St. Thomas announced the news to their congregation during their Sunday service, and sent an email as well, noting that the Vestry unanimously accepted the recommendation of the rector search committee to call Father McCormick. “We are confident that St. Thomas will thrive under his tenure, and we are excited to have him serve as our rector,” said the Vestry in their announcement.
 
St. Thomas, North Charleston, is located at 1150 East Montague Avenue, just off historic Park Circle. It is the only church affiliated with The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion in the growing city of North Charleston. The church recently celebrated its 102nd birthday.