Bishop Presents House of Deputies Medal to Janet Dunn Clark During St. David's Visitation

During Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley's visitation to St. David's, Cheraw, on Sunday, March 5, she had the opportunity to present church member Janet Dunn Clark with the House of Deputies medal that had been announced by outgoing President Gay Clark Jennings during the 80th General Convention of The Episcopal Church in July 2022. 

At that time, President Jennings recognized Janet Dunn Clark as she reflected on the moments that stood out to her most during her 10-year term, which ended at General Convention. She said the following:

“The thing I will treasure most from my time as your president is the trust and confidence that you and Episcopalians from all over the church have placed in me. I’ve been sustained by your prayers from across the church for the last decade, and by no one more than a woman by the name of Janet Dunn Clark, who is not a deputy. I met Janet in South Carolina in 2013 as the loyal Episcopalians in that diocese were reorganizing. She told me that she prayed for me every day. Just think of that. Her church and her diocese were experiencing the turmoil of division and discord, and Janet was praying for me. What a gift that has been….She has been praying for me, not because she had to, but because she knew I needed it. With my love and my appreciation for your love and thanksgiving for your ministry, I am happy to present Janet with the House of Deputies medal.”

As she presented the medal on Sunday at St. David's, Bishop Ruth shared that Janet Dunn Clark was one of the first people of the diocese to reach out to her at the start of her episcopate, as she told Bishop Ruth that she was praying for her. She continued to check in and encourage Bishop Ruth, just like she had done for Gay Clark Jennings during her term as President of the House of Deputies. Janet's family was able to be with her on Sunday for the presentation, and she is pictured with them (and Bishop Ruth) above. Notice also that everyone is wearing wooden crosses, which were prayerfully whittled by Janet as a symbol of her love and friendship, as she has done for hundreds of people throughout her life. We give thanks for her ministry!

In case you missed it last July, watch the presentation by Gay Clark Jennings at last year's General Convention on YouTube at this link. ​

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