Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God; for the rendering of this service not only supplies the wants of the saints but also overflows in many thanksgivings to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:11-12

As you know the recent earthquake in Haiti has been devastating for many Haitians. Many of our parishes have made mission trips and established ongoing relationships with the Diocese of Haiti, with Bishop Duracin and with congregations and ministries there.

This past year several of our parishes have made trips there and our Diocesan ECW sent 100% of its outreach funds in 2009 to CHAP (Christian Haitian American Partnership) nutrition program to feed the hungry in this already poverty riddled country. This morning we have heard from Sue Brunson, our Diocesan ECW President that our ECW ministry partners there are physically unharmed but, because homes surrounding theirs suffered extensive damage, they are afraid to enter their home.

I have also received an email from The Reverend Rob Dewey that he and Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy
will be mobilized to assist in the recovery work. Likewise another ministry located within our diocese, and with important relationships with our parishes, is Water Missions International. They also have a team on the ground in Haiti to help restore clean drinking water.

Because of such ongoing relationships and ministries I hope many of our members will want to assist in this current crisis. May I suggest that there are a variety of ways to help at this time: Of course one way, and perhaps the best, is through Episcopal Relief and Development. They will work directly through Bishop Duracin, the Diocese of Haiti, and with the various parishes and ministries there--some of which your congregations may have partnered with in the past. Another is through Water Missions International or even Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy.

Of course some of you or your parishioners may have direct contact with ministry partners in Haiti and have already made appropriate contacts and assistance. Please include such concerns in your prayers and appeals on this Second Sunday of Epiphany--this very season the Church has often chosen to highlight the mission of Christ, the Gospel and the Church to the desperate needs of the world.

Yours in Christ Jesus our Savior and Lord,

The Rt. Reverend Mark J. Lawrence

The Episocopal Diocese of South Carolina has released the following Guidelines for Clergy Sabbaticals

In the Lord’s life we see intense activity and contact with people alternating with time apart, time to listen and to be replenished. Clergy sabbatical time is necessary for the ongoing growth, nourishment and renewal of those who are ordained to lead the people of God and the congregations which they serve.

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