JULY 5 - LETTER TO THIS EDITOR

This morning we have a new letter to the editor that I everyone will find of interest:

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR---

In Myrtle Beach (SC) there is one Episcopal Church which meets in the fellowship hall of St. Philip Lutheran Church. We have a close and expanding relationship with our Lutheran sisters and brothers sharing  missional outreach and liturgies.

Soon, we are told, we will resume the stewardship of the buildings of Trinity (formerly Episcopal) Church. There has been little contact between these two churches.

A few weeks ago, one of the founding matriarchs of our church died. It was her wish to be buried from what she considered to be her church. Not only did she consider the buildings at Trinity Church to be her church home, some of the land upon which the church sits was donated by her family.

An inquiry was made with the pastor and vestry of Trinity Church. After some discussion, an invitation was given for the Burial Office for Veanna James Talbot to be read in the chapel, the original home of the Episcopal congregation in 1939. I was the officiant and, with the permission of our bishop, the deacon from Trinity Church assisted. Attending the service were people from both churches.

When we become the stewards of this sacred space, we promised to remember the hospitality of the pastor and vestry of Trinity ACNA Church. The vestry of the Episcopal Church of the Messiah will look kindly on any request from the leaders of Trinity when they have need of a place for weddings and funerals. Those liturgies are times for unity and not division.

We, the people of the Episcopal Church of the Messiah, are grateful. Little moments of peace and grace can, it is hoped, lead to greater reconciliation.

[the Rev.] Randy Ferebee,

Myrtle Beach

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I say a hearty "thank you" to the Rev. Mr. Ferebee for sharing that poignant moment of grace with us. I wonder how many other "little moments of peace and grace" have happened in the long and hard experience of the schism. I have always believed that, if left to the people-in-the-pews, there would not have been a schism.

The letters to this editor have been very popular with readers. The Rev. Donohue's letter got 2,300 hits in two days and went viral on Facebook. 

I encourage everyone to share your thoughts, opinions, and experiences of the schism, whatever they are. We need to hear from you. Send letters to:

ronaldcaldwell1210@gmail.com