David Booman Reflects on His Participation in The Anglican Leadership Institute

By the Rev. David Booman, Asst. Rector, St. Michael’s Church, Charleston

In the recent holiday season I was reminded of a scene from my favorite Christmas movie, It’s a Wonderful Life. George Bailey is paying a special visit to his friend Mary, with something like courtship in mind. However, things do not get off to a good start, and then, as their conversation deteriorates, one of George’s friends telephones out of the blue and offers George ‘The Chance of a Lifetime.’ What is this amazing opportunity? Getting in on the ground floor of a business venture involving plastics. Fortunately, George drops the telephone and what follows is one of the great loves scenes in the history of cinema.

    ‘Chances of a Lifetime’ by definition do not happen every day (and often they are grossly exaggerated as in the story above). But this does not mean they never happen. Indeed, this Fall I was presented with an opportunity that has led me to think in these superlative terms. I was invited to be part of the inaugural Anglican Leadership Institute, an invitation extended by the Rev. Dr. Peter Moore, the Director of this initiative.

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Please keep our brothers and sisters at St. Paul's, Conway, in your prayers. A fire broke out in the attic of their administration building at 11 a.m. today, Thursday, December 10, 2016.

"At first it appeared the whole building was on fire, because of the smoke coming out of the vents in the roof," said the Rev. Reggie Corfield, Interm Rector, "but the fire was contained and the damage was minor. Thankfully, no one was hurt and we came through relatively unscathed."

St. Paul's suffered extensive flood damage during the October flood.

"We've been through a lot," said Corfield, "But God has continually provided for us. We thank God it wasn't worse."

They expect to be out of their offices for ten days. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined. Most of the damage was done to the portico of the building, and the interior of the building suffered smoke damage.

Read more. Photo by Charles Perry, the Sun News.

If your church has Advent, Christmas or Epiphany events (other than those held during regular Sunday morning, or Christmas Eve service times) email us the information.

Advent Service & Breakfast: December 15, 22: at St. Michael’s, Charleston, Tuesdays at 7:00 am Eggs, bacon, worship and testimonies by Confirmation Students.

Christmas Cantata, December 13: St. John’s Parish Church, Johns Island, will offer their  Christmas Cantata for its sixth year with a presentation of ‘Breath of Heaven’, by Dove Award-winning composer Russell Mauldin. This festive music will be offered by the Choir and members of the contemporary music group, and will be followed by a celebratory reception in the Walton Hall, hosted by the Daughters of the King.

Caroling and Cookies with the Choristers, December 13
The Choir of Boys & Girls at the Cathedral, Charleston, will lead a group in caroling around their downtown neighborhood beginning at 4:30 p.m. December 13 and returning to the Cathedral for cookies and hot chocolate. All are welcome to come and sing!

Live Drive Through Nativity, December 12 & 13; The Church of the Resurrection, Surfside Beach,  will host their annual live drive-through nativity from 5 - 8:30 p.m. on December 12 and 13. The rain date is December 14. There will be seven scenes wand more than 50 actors. Live camel, donkey, calf, sheep, goats and llamas are participating. Admission is free and donations are welcome.

Crèche Festival Open House, December 15: Christ Church, Mt. Pleasant, is having their second annual Creche Festival on Saturday, December 15 from 10 am - 2 pm and 4 - 8pm, or by appointment. Stop by and see the crèches loaned by families and friends of Christ Church. There is no charge to attend, but donations to Christ Church Tree Church Project will be accepted. Learn more.

Blue Christmas Service, December 16: On Wednesday, December 16 at 5:30 p.m. St. Michael’s, Charleston, will be offering a special service for those grieving over the loss of a loved one. The service will include Holy Communion, Rite II, Contemporary Worship and Healing Prayer.

Christmas Caroling, December 17: On Thursday, December 17 at 6:00 p.m. join with St. Michael's parishioners in front of the church portico to join in walking around the Holy City singing good tidings of great joy

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The Jewish Roots of Christianity
A Course Offering for Churches in the Diocese of South Carolina

The Rev. Dr. Lee Hershon, a Deacon at Old St. Andrew’s, Charleston, and a Jewish convert to Christianity, is now available to teach a course on “The Jewish Roots of Christianity.”

“To explore the Hebrew Roots to many of the New Testament’s dominant themes is an invariably enriching exercise for the Christian,” says Bishop Mark Lawrence. “Deacon Hershon is remarkably—even providentially—prepared to be a guide for such an exploration.  I commend him and his ministry for those who wish to take this enriching and faith-shaping journey.

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