The eCrozier

This Ecrozier is a combination travelogue and press release. This past week I was with the good people of Grace Church, Sandersville, Trinity Church, Cochran, and St. Luke’s Church, Hawkinsville. Grace Church has a beautiful church, parish house, and grounds. Their history as a racially integrated congregation is driving their witness for the future. They are in the planning process for future growth and development. At Trinity Church we had a wonderful celebration of baptism, reception of new members, and a confirmation from Christ Church, Augusta. One of the young candidates for baptism, Connor, struggled mightily (it was his regular nap time), but in the end was baptized and sealed. Such a beautiful boy! St Luke’s celebrated its parish status and the new ministry of its rector after over 100 years as a mission. It was a glorious evening. We were graced by the presence of some clergy from our offspring diocese to the north who came down to be with us.

This weekend I am with our Diocesan Council for a meeting at Christ Church, St Simon’s Island. I will then have my visitation to Christ Church on Sunday. I am taking my bicycle so if the weather is nice on Saturday afternoon I will get some biking in. Anyone care to join me? I had a great bike ride with Fr. David Somerville a few weeks ago around Jekyll Island.

Diocesan Council will begin its year with lots on its plate, which I will write about later in the month. I do want here, however, to announce my appointment of two new canons to the Diocesan staff.

First, is my appointment of the Reverend Frank Logue to be Canon for Congregational Ministries. His specific responsibilities will be: Clergy Formation, helping me oversee the process of ordination; Clergy Deployment, assisting me in the deployment of priests and deacons in our congregations; Congregational Development: engaging every congregation in the process of developing strategic plans for their development; and, serving as a chief councilor to me. I cannot imagine a person more qualified for this calling. Frank’s wisdom, insight, and vision will be an immeasurable addition to our diocesan mission. Frank will begin his new ministry on July 1. Please pray for him and Victoria as they leave King of Peace and move to Savannah this summer.

Second, is my appointment of Ms. Mary Willoughby as Canon Administrator of the Diocese. Her specific responsibilities will be: Overseeing the financial management of the Diocese; managing the Diocesan office; supervising all canonical requirements from parishes and missions to the Diocese and ECUSA; administering the medical insurance program of the Church Medical Trust; serving as Secretary to Diocesan Convention and Council; managing press releases and all contact with the media; maintaining accurate data on the Diocesan website related to the administration of the Diocese; and, serving as a chief councilor to me. Mary brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this calling. She has managed, and been a consultant for, a number of large non-profits. Her considerable skills, particularly in fiscal management, will be important for our future as a Diocese. I am so pleased she has agreed to serve. Mary will begin part-time in the Diocesan office this month and will begin full-time on July 1.

With these two new appointments, we will have to say goodbye to two faithful, long-serving diocesan staff. Fr Sanford Ulmer has served the Diocese for nearly 24 years. He will be retiring this month. We all thank Sanford for his years of dedicated service to the mission of the Diocese. And Ms. Jacqui Belcher, who has served the Diocese for nearly 30 years, will be moving on to another calling. Jacqui has served faithfully in numerous roles in the Diocesan office over her tenure. We wish her every blessing as she begins this new chapter in her life.

Please pray for our Diocesan Council as we meet this weekend.

+Scott