Article by Harriett Green
(member of Good Shepherd, Sumter, and of the diocesan Racial Justice and Reconciliation Commission)

On October 18th, about 65 people gathered in the Fellowship Hall at Trinity United Methodist Church in Sumter for Good Shepherd Episcopal Church Learning Day. Learning Day, an educational initiative of the Racial Justice and Reconciliation Commission, provides congregations across the diocese with opportunities to gather and learn about the history and legacy of historically African-American churches. Now in its second year, it has become a much-anticipated time of learning, sharing, and fellowship.

For the members of Good Shepherd, Sumter, Learning Day was more than just another diocesan event—it was a moment for deeper engagement with the church, with one another, and with the larger Episcopal family. Learning Day resulted in a meaningful connection with two United Methodist Churches—Trinity and Aldersgate—with the Rev. Angela Marshall as the welcoming venue host at Trinity and the Rev. Regina Moore of Aldersgate who delivered a powerful and spirit-filled sermon at the Learning Day Eucharist in Good Shepherd’s sanctuary.

The day’s program was designed to create a sense of place and history. Large photographic portraits of Good Shepherd’s leading forefathers and foremothers were displayed at the front of the hall as silent witnesses to the day’s reflections. Among them were Dr. Charles Birnie, a prominent founding leader; Alease and William Bultman, with William serving as superintendent of Sunday School; Ruby Tarleton, who lived to the remarkable age of 108; and Pearl and Albert Spears, remembered for their devotion to the church.

The Right-Sizing Perspective presentation offered a look at Good Shepherd’s operational realities—its challenges, opportunities, and the practical steps being taken toward sustainability. The presentation also highlighted Good Shepherd’s involvement in the diocese’s work on immigration justice through its Art in the Sanctuary program.

This program was based on a small art exhibition, featuring Of America: The Huddled Masses by Noah Scalin, depicting life inside a Texas detention center; Deported by Jean Grosser, a delicately rendered blouse set against a background mercilessly stamped a thousand times or more with the word “Deported” and Mexicans in Canada by Amiri Hanafi, a digital poem exploring migration and global connection amplified the concern about the current plight of immigrants. To close the presentation, members of Good Shepherd recited The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus, a timeless reminder of America’s identity as a welcoming refuge for immigrants.

Through a blend of historical storytelling, photographs, and personal testimonies, participants were invited to journey from the early days of Good Shepherd—shaped by the political, social, and cultural climate of the time—to the present, where members shared contemporary stories of faith and belonging. The story of Good Shepherd, Sumter unfolded with depth and honesty.

​As the Learning Day experience concluded, it was evident that with thoughtful reflection on a church’s present and future, an invitation to continued self-examination, faithful discernment, and intentional planning for the journey ahead is a lesson that can benefit all congregations.

View more photos from the event in a Facebook album at this link.
 
Presenters for Learning Day included Eric Bultman, Thomas Bultman, James Felder, Harriett Green, Christie Mahon, Valeria McDonald, and Sammie Way. Other participants included Susan Allen, Frenche Brewer, John Cotner, Jane Hray, Leanne Lovice, Lucy Mahon, and Karen Watson. Acknowledgements and grateful appreciation to the Good Shepherd Learning Day Planning Committee.

As we look ahead to the Feast of St. Francis on October 4, many of our congregations will be offering special Blessings of the Animals for all creatures great and small, be they live pets or stuffed animals. St. Francis is the patron saint of animals and the environment and worship inspired by this Feast typically include pet blessings, prayers for environmental protection and conservation, and a call to a lifestyle based in simplicity and service of others. 
All are invited to these special events (humans, pets, stuffed animals, and humans without pets!). Please bring pets on a leash or in a container/carrier. Blessing of the Animals/Pets events in our diocese include the following:

• Three Summerville Episcopal churches:
• Epiphany, Good Shepherd, and St. George’s will jointly offer a service for the blessing of the animals in honor of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. The event will be held at Hutchinson Square in downtown Summerville on Friday, October 3, from 5-6 pm. The Rev. Rob Spainhour, the Rev. Dow Sanderson, and the Rev. Michael Crandall will be on hand to offer blessings for all pets.
• All Saints, Hilton Head Island: Wednesday, October 8, at 5:30 pm. Join on the lawn to worship with “our animal brothers and sisters” as St. Francis called them. All are welcome. Blessing will be followed by light refreshments for all two and four-footed friends.
• Christ Church, Mt. Pleasant: Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 5, at 5:30 pm. Bring your four-legged family members for a blessing on the lawn in front of the Main church. All pets must be on a leash or in a crate.
• Grace Church Cathedral, Charleston: Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 5, at 4 pm. Bring your pets (even the stuffed variety) to Grace to receive a blessing, a tag, and treats. Music will be provided by the children’s choirs. 
• Holy Cross Faith Memorial, Pawleys Island: Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 12, at 5 pm in Miss Ruby’s Garden. Bring your pets for a service and special blessing.
• St. Anne’s, Conway: Saturday, October 4, at 1 pm. All creatures great and small are welcome to receive a blessing, be they living or of the stuffed variety.
• St. Francis, Edisto Island: Blessing of the Animals on October 5, at 3 pm on the front lawn of the church.
• St. James, Charleston (James Island): Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 5, at 12 pm at the outdoor chapel, followed by a luncheon on the patio behind the St. James Center. 
• St. John’s, Johns Island: Sunday, October 5, at 4 pm. Bring your furry friends to the St. Brigid Altar in the field behind Walton Hall.
• St. Mark’s, Port Royal: Sunday, October 5, at 3 pm. Gather on the Green for this annual animal blessing in celebration of the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi. Invite your friends and neighbors; pets must be leashed or in carriers/containers.
• St. Stephen’s, Charleston: Saturday, October 4, at 4 pm AND Sunday, October 5, at 9 am. Join in the garden behind the church to have your animal (stuffed, real, or photo) blessed!
• St. Stephen’s, North Myrtle Beach: Sunday, October 5, at 2 pm. Join us for a Blessing of the Pets at the church columbarium. All are invited—creatures big and small—and even humans without pets!