Holy ceremony on Hallow’s Eve
About 150 of the state’s Episcopalians gathered in Chamberlain recently for their annual convention, just a month before they’ll all be at Calvary Cathedral in Sioux Falls to install a new bishop, the Rev. John Tarrant, on Oct. 30. Tarrant takes over the reins — and the reign — from outgoing Bishop Creighton Robertson. Tarrant has his work cut out for him, including repairing relationships with some Native American Episcopalians who were unhappy with Robertson when the diocese shuttered 9 Episcopal churches on the Pine Ridge Reservation late last year. The challenges are daunting and a little scary, but perhaps a man who becomes a bishop on All Hallow’s Eve is up to the task? What do you you Episcopalians think?
Here are some local Episcopalian faces at the convention:
The Rev. Bunker Hill, rector at All Angels in Spearfish, preached the Saturday sermon.
Deacon Virginia Bird, left, of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Rapid City displays one of the mosquito nets the diocese will send to Africa as a missions project.
Jo Ann Edstrom, of St. Andrew's Episcopal in Rapid City, served as pianist at the convention worship service.
October 20th, 2009 at 9:30 pm
Having seen Bishop-Elect Tarrant at interviews for the bishop’s position,
having heard him address this year’s conventoin and having sat in on a
’stewardship” seminar he conducted, I’m convinced he will become one
of the most effective and admired bishops in recent years in the diocese.
He understands the role of the church, not only within its borders, but
within the outside community. At the stewardship session, he cited
as the major stewardship responsibilty detremining the mission
of a the parish and carrying it out. If this is accomplished, all other
concerns will be met. He emphasized the role of the church in
serving the whole commuity.
Bishop-Elect Tarrant has a dynamic but sensistive approach to
his responsibllities and is well-fitted for his upcoming challenges.