Episcopal Life Online Newslink July 9, 2007 Episcopal Life Online is available at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/elife.
Today's ELO Newslink includes:
* TOP STORY - Brazil, U.S.- based churches share common mission * TOP STORY - ERD responds to flooding in Pakistan * TOP STORY - July 15 bulletin insert examines United Thank Offering * TOP STORY - Union of Black Episcopalians examine reconciliation at annual conference * DIOCESAN DIGEST - RHODE ISLAND: Bishop issued Pastoral Direction to priest * DIOCESAN DIGEST - WEST MISSOURI: Youth walk in the paths of leaders of the early church * WORLD REPORT - Church of England General Synod backs drafting of Anglican covenant * WORLD REPORT - Manchester Cathedral 'not satisfied' with Sony apology * FEATURE - The brass rings: Once used in a barbecue pit, historic bell peals from a church tower once more _____________________
TOP STORIES
Brazil, U.S.- based churches share common mission Amazon-district experts outline environmental, pastoral care as Presiding Bishop begins visit in Brazilian capitol (first of a two-part report)
by Bob Williams
[ENS, Porto Alegre] Two wooden chalices -- both newly carved from the same block of cedar -- tell of shared faith and friendship rooted in Brazil and the United States.
Handcrafted by artisan-priest Jesse Ramos of Sao Leopoldo, the new vessels brimmed at Eucharistic celebrations also joy-filled by the longstanding collaboration between the 100,000-member Portuguese-speaking Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil and the U.S.-based Episcopal Church, two of the Anglican Communion's 38 member Provinces.
The new altarware was commissioned by Brazil's Primate Bishop Mauricio Andrade to mark "the deep connections between our two churches, and our happiness in welcoming Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori for a historic visit" July 6-10 in Brasilia, Porto Alegre and Rio de Janeiro.
Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_87939_ENG_HTM.htm
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ERD responds to flooding in Pakistan
[Episcopal News Service] Episcopal Relief and Development (http://er-d.org) (ERD) is providing emergency aid to people in southern Pakistan after flooding caused severe damage in the region.
Heavy rains caused flooding in Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan, in the Sindh province and surrounding areas. More than 300 people have died from storm-related damage and flooding. Many areas of Karachi are without electricity and basic amenities, and there is concern of the development of water-borne diseases due to slow cleanup efforts. In the Balochistan province, 200 people are missing and two million people in 15 districts were affected by flooding.
In Gadap, the city worst affected by flooding, more than 24 people were killed, over 200 others were injured, and 1,000 were heavily damaged or completely ruined. Gadap is about is located 34 miles outside Karachi. The destruction was caused by 69-mile-per-hour wind gusts followed by torrential rain that caused many of the homes and buildings in less-developed areas to collapse. Residents are now dependent on contaminated water after the covers of the town's concrete water tanks were blown away. The floods killed livestock and destroyed 75 poultry farms.
So far, the storms have caused damage estimated at 200 million rupees, close to $US 3.5 million.
Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_87941_ENG_HTM.htm
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Episcopal Life This Week: United Thank Offering: Bulletin Insert for July 15, 2007
Learn about the United Thank Offering, which provides grants for mission throughout the world, in the Episcopal Life Bulletin Inserts.
Bulletin inserts are available at:
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/78650_8852_ENG_HTM.htm
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Union of Black Episcopalians examine reconciliation at annual conference Presiding Bishop says 'reconciliation and freedom go hand in hand'
By Daphne Mack
[ENS, Houston] Gathering under the theme of reconciliation, more than 300 Episcopalians attended the 39th annual meeting and conference of the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE), held July 2-6 in Houston, Texas. "Telling Our Story: Hearing God's Call for Reconciliation," drew participants from as far away as London, England to celebrate the lives, contributions, and sacrifices of people of color and women clergy and to discuss reconciliation. Setting the tone for the conference with his keynote address, Central Pennsylvania's Bishop Nathan Baxter called on attendees to "take leadership in the work of reconciliation."
Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_87938_ENG_HTM.htm
More Top Stories: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/elife _____________________
DIOCESAN DIGEST
RHODE ISLAND: Bishop issued Pastoral Direction to priest http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81803_87931_ENG_HTM.htm
WEST MISSOURI: Youth walk in the paths of leaders of the early church http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81803_87942_ENG_HTM.htm
More Diocesan news: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81803_ENG_HTM.htm _____________________
WORLD REPORT
Church of England General Synod backs drafting of Anglican covenant http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81808_87936_ENG_HTM.htm
Manchester Cathedral 'not satisfied' with Sony apology http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81808_87884_ENG_HTM.htm
More World news: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81808_ENG_HTM.htm _____________________
FEATURES
The brass rings
Once used in a barbecue pit, historic bell peals from a church tower once more
By Robert Medley
[Episcopal Life] Despite years spent upside down as an outdoor patio barbecue pit, the long-lost church bell tolls once again at Christ Memorial Episcopal Church, El Reno, Oklahoma. The polished brass is shining for the first time in 57 years, held by a new steel tower on the north side of the church. The one-inch holes drilled through its metal to let air reach smoldering charcoal have not diluted the bell's sound, said the Rev. Barney Jackson.
Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81834_87876_ENG_HTM.htm
More Features: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/78936_ENG_HTM.htm