Diocese of the Virgin Islands Introduced to ABCD
Sandye Wilson with Allen Robinson, Angela Ifill and Martini Shaw
At the invitation of our Bishop, The Rt. Rev. E Ambrose Gumbs, and in an effort to move towards self-sufficiency, four clergy associated with Black Ministries in the Episcopal Church, engaged the Episcopal Diocese of the Virgin Islands in an ABCD workshop. Asset-Based Community Development “engages communities at a grassroots level to recognize local assets – such as people, buildings, relationships and faith – and creatively envision how to use that abundance to achieve goals and imagine new forms of ministry.” Without a doubt, some forty eight (48) Episcopalians, most in church leadership roles, representing three deaneries, four islands and fourteen (14) Congregations were introduced to the principles of ABCD. Clergy and laity gathered from February 24-27 at The St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands to glean knowledge and benefits of ABCD.
The workshop was conducted by four spirit-filled clergy from Episcopal Black Ministries under the able leadership of The Rev. Canon Angela S. Ifill, Missioner, Black Ministries. The other presenters were: The Rev. Dr. Allen Robinson, Rector of St. James Episcopal Church in Baltimore, Maryland, The Rev. Canon Dr. Sandye A. Wilson, Rector of St. Andrew & Holy Communion Church in South Orange and The Rev. Dr. Martini Shaw of the historic African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas.
On Wednesday February 24, 2016, the opening Reception and dinner set the tone for the upcoming events. The workshops that followed were centered on identifying and focusing on our assets and discovering the steps necessary for transformation. To advance, however, we had to accept the fact that “Truth Telling” is the core to advancement; and truth telling certainly encouraged participants to examine the weaknesses, the strengths, opportunities and threats in our communities of faith and to begin to think of steps forward for improvement. We were asked to focus on what we have, not what we don’t have; to focus on the diversity and our gifts, rather than focus on our shortcomings.
Canon Ifill described the experience stating, “The work was hard but fulfilling and rewarding as we created an atmosphere that gave you a mountain top experience.” Bishop Gumbs responded, “You could not begin to imagine the satisfaction for the presentations especially when some of the material from names like Kennon Callahan, Kevin Martin, and Arlin Rothauge were used with such passion and conviction.” These authors as Bishop Gumbs mentioned have been introduced to our members but need to be more widely circulated and discussed.
Books recommended for reading are: Twelve Keys to an Effective Church by Callahan Five Keys for Church Leaders by Martin and Sizing up a Congregation for New Member Ministry by Routhauge.
By the end of the three day workshop, attendees became cognizant of the fact that our communities of faith need some infusion of faith, love, and respect. Hopefully, when participants return to their churches, all will examine their ministries and determine the next steps to propel us to do “something new.”
On behalf of Bishop Gumbs and the entire Diocese, an angelic thank you, is extended to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church; St. Luke’s Episcopal Church; Sis.: Edith Haynes-Lake, Rita Payne-Samuel, Anthia Benn-Buncome , Eleanor Donovan, Lyda Callwood, Riise Richards, Eveth Vialet, Lorrie Turnbull, Ophelia Torres and Brs: George Bodie, Mike Lampe, and Leroy Claxton for their invaluable service before and during the workshop.
Blessings to all,
Irose Payne-Chalon
Bishop’s Regional Dean, St. Thomas/St. John Deanery
The workshop was conducted by four spirit-filled clergy from Episcopal Black Ministries under the able leadership of The Rev. Canon Angela S. Ifill, Missioner, Black Ministries. The other presenters were: The Rev. Dr. Allen Robinson, Rector of St. James Episcopal Church in Baltimore, Maryland, The Rev. Canon Dr. Sandye A. Wilson, Rector of St. Andrew & Holy Communion Church in South Orange and The Rev. Dr. Martini Shaw of the historic African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas.
On Wednesday February 24, 2016, the opening Reception and dinner set the tone for the upcoming events. The workshops that followed were centered on identifying and focusing on our assets and discovering the steps necessary for transformation. To advance, however, we had to accept the fact that “Truth Telling” is the core to advancement; and truth telling certainly encouraged participants to examine the weaknesses, the strengths, opportunities and threats in our communities of faith and to begin to think of steps forward for improvement. We were asked to focus on what we have, not what we don’t have; to focus on the diversity and our gifts, rather than focus on our shortcomings.
Canon Ifill described the experience stating, “The work was hard but fulfilling and rewarding as we created an atmosphere that gave you a mountain top experience.” Bishop Gumbs responded, “You could not begin to imagine the satisfaction for the presentations especially when some of the material from names like Kennon Callahan, Kevin Martin, and Arlin Rothauge were used with such passion and conviction.” These authors as Bishop Gumbs mentioned have been introduced to our members but need to be more widely circulated and discussed.
Books recommended for reading are: Twelve Keys to an Effective Church by Callahan Five Keys for Church Leaders by Martin and Sizing up a Congregation for New Member Ministry by Routhauge.
By the end of the three day workshop, attendees became cognizant of the fact that our communities of faith need some infusion of faith, love, and respect. Hopefully, when participants return to their churches, all will examine their ministries and determine the next steps to propel us to do “something new.”
On behalf of Bishop Gumbs and the entire Diocese, an angelic thank you, is extended to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church; St. Luke’s Episcopal Church; Sis.: Edith Haynes-Lake, Rita Payne-Samuel, Anthia Benn-Buncome , Eleanor Donovan, Lyda Callwood, Riise Richards, Eveth Vialet, Lorrie Turnbull, Ophelia Torres and Brs: George Bodie, Mike Lampe, and Leroy Claxton for their invaluable service before and during the workshop.
Blessings to all,
Irose Payne-Chalon
Bishop’s Regional Dean, St. Thomas/St. John Deanery
Photos from Sandye Wilson's Facebook Page
