Church guide

Father Bill returns from Africa today. Here is his final posting for the Episcopal Relief and Development Pilgrimage: “Your coming here has strengthened us.” Felicia Sakala, Director, Zambia Anglican Council Outreach Programs And my going there has strengthened me even more. The sun has set on my African pilgrimage. I have been so blessed to see so many good people making a positive difference in this wonderful world God has made - in the lives of vulnerable children, orphaned elephants, homeless adults, and even stray dogs. I pray that I will never be the same after this beautiful experience - that I will be more aware, more compassionate, more committed, more connected, and more giving. I want to thank you for your extraordinary generosity in supporting my fundraiser for Episcopal Relief and Development. I set an ambitious goal of $5,000 to support these Early Childhood initiatives in Zambia. Together, we have raised $7,420! God bless you for your love and support! HTTPS://tinyurl.com/GoFundMe-Zambia Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen. The Prayer of St. Francis

From Father Bill in Africa: “I am prepared to go anywhere, provided it be forward.” David Livingstone David Livingstone is known as “Africa’s greatest missionary.” His sole focus, however, was not preaching, but exploration to find navigable routes for commercial trade, which he hoped would displace slave trade. He was an ardent abolitionist. He hoped to solve the age-old mystery of the source of the Nile River, believing that by discovering the source, he would be able to speak more convincingly and authoritatively to end the evil of slavery. He was the first Westerner to view Mosi Oa Tunya (“the smoke that thunders”) Falls which he named Victoria Falls. Livingstone gained great admiration among the native peoples because he treated them with such dignity and respect. A local guide explained that he is still revered because he was a healer (physician) as well as a teacher and preacher. Livingstone would probably call himself “an explorer,” which is perhaps a healthy way to speak of the essence of true mission. That is, those engaged in mission are called to find new pathways for peace, justice, reconciliation and healing. Livingstone calls to mind the words of St. Francis: “It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching.” While Livingstone suffered great hardship and failed to achieve his primary goals, he was successful in stirring up worldwide support for the abolition of slavery. He once described the Falls as “scenes so lovely they must’ve been gazed upon by angels in their flight.” HTTPS://tinyurl.com/GoFundMe-Zambia

Holy Week Schedule of Events and other News!

A message from Father Bill and the Rev. Gay Jennings, President of the House Of Deputies of the Episcopal Church, with Episcopal Relief and Development in Zambia: This has been an extraordinary pilgrimage to Zambia to learn more about and to support the great work of Episcopal Relief and Development. I thank each one of you who has donated to our campaign to help fund the Early Childhood Development programs here in Zambia. You have given so generously to this worthy cause and I am so grateful. You are making a difference in this world! Special thanks to Gay Clark Jennings and this amazing group of pilgrims - eternally bonded in common purpose and service to God. HTTPS://tinyurl.com/GoFundMe-Zambia. Fr Bill

From Father Bill in Zambia: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Jesus Christ “In our age the road to holiness necessarily passes through the world of action.” Dag Hammarskjold “I am the vessel. The draught is God’s. And God is the thirsty one.” Dag Hammarskjold On our ERD Zambia pilgrimage we took a detour one morning to a sacred site. Perhaps it was no detour at all but completely in keeping with the spirit of our experience. On September 18, 1961, U.N. Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjold lost his life in a plane crash just outside of Ndola, Zambia. He was on his way to negotiate a ceasefire in the Congo crisis. Years prior, on April 1, 1953, this deeply spiritual man and “greatest statesman of our century” (JFK) was awakened by a reporter’s phone call to tell him he was the new U.N. Head. He hung up, assuming it was an April Fool’s Day joke! His leadership was marked by a deep awareness of the significance of self-sacrifice, and a deep connection to the Creator of the whole world. He understood that there cannot be holiness without action and that true faith calls upon the believer to respect the dignity of every human being on the planet. I was introduced to the only book of his writings, Markings, his personal journal that was published posthumously, in my early 20’s. For my years as a Youth Minister, it was the book I gifted to our graduating seniors. It had a profound impact on me and my way of looking at the world. But perhaps standing amidst the trees where he gave his life in service to others had an even more profound impact. None of us knows how much time we have on this planet. Seize each moment as pure gift - a priceless opportunity to live out the values that matter - compassion, service, justice, peace, and love. “For all that has been, thanks. For all that will be, yes.” Dag Hammarskjold

It has been a true gift to participate in this Episcopal Relief and Development Pilgrimage in Zambia. We are blessed to have such a smart, engaged, capable and compassionate leader in President Rob Radtke. Here he shares a bit about why these Early Childhood Development Centers in Zambia are such an important part of our mission. I thank each of you who has been so kind and generous in supporting our Campaign! HTTPS://tinyurl.com/GoFundMe-Zambia. Fr Bill

Last night and today we have been fed with food, music, kindness and inspiration in Lusaka, at the Dinner hosted by the Zambia Anglican Council Outreach Program and worship at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross. Fr. Charley Thomas reminded us that we have a purpose - that God has placed us here to make a difference in the lives of others. He encouraged us never to be satisfied with where we are - for God has called us to something larger and greater. I want to thank each of you who has supported my campaign to build an Early Childhood Development Center for the most vulnerable children in Zambia. Thanks to your generosity we are only $1,2000 from reaching our goal. You can donate here: HTTPS://tinyurl.com/GoFundMe-Zambia. My gift to you today is another song from the African Mothers Union Choir! Dzikomo (thank you!). Fr Bill Miller

Bishop William Mchombo thanked us for for our support of the Early Childhood Centers with a delicious dinner and an inspiring performance from the Mary Sumner African Mother’s Union Choir. They are a positive force to be reckoned with! #episcopalrelief #Zambia19

Newcomer's Brunch Tomorrow! Join Us! (and other news from CECC)

It takes a village to raise a child. This African proverb is so true. And today, a global village is making a difference in the lives of children all over the world. This village leader is so proud and appreciative of the Early Childhood Development Center that was funded through the Zambian Anglican Outreach Council and ERD. The entire village turned out to welcome us. And I appreciate your support of this initiative to raise $5,000 for Episcopal Relief and Development to build another center. Your donations will go a long way toward making a difference in the life of child. Fr. Bill #episcopalrelief #zambia19 HTTPS://tinyurl.com/GoFundMe-Zambia

Please join me in building an Early Childhood Development Center in rural Zambia for the most vulnerable children. You can donate to our ERD Campaign on Facebook or Go FundMe!

From Father Bill, with Episcopal Relief and Development in Zambia: Today we visited the Early Childhood Development Center in the village of Mikumbila. We were warmly welcomed by the village chief, residents, singers, dancers, teachers, and volunteers, home visitors, and Executive Committee. This is a model program that has grown and flourished since 2012, from 104 preschool students to 215. The growth among infants and caregivers participating in the program has been even greater. This extraordinary program is faith-based, integrated and seeks to develop the whole child. It addresses everything from nutrition and health, to education and economic empowerment for parents. Many of the children are single parent orphans with some of them losing both parents to disease. We could build another Early Childhood Development Center for only $5,000. And what do you know, that’s our goal! #episcopalrelief #zambia19

Linda Mwale reminds the church that we are salt and light, seasoning and brightening this world, by helping children achieve their full God-given potential.

Moments That Matter: Strengthening Families So Young Children Can Thrive (by Father Bill Miller) Today we gathered at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Ndola to learn about the incredibly effective Early Childhood Development programs we are helping fund in Zambia through Episcopal Relief and Development. Felicia Sakala shared with us the community- based, integrated and wholistic approach that is impacting the lives of the most vulnerable children in rural communities. The program has grown rapidly and now includes 113 community centers (we can build one for only $5,000, our goal!) working with 27,000 children, 13,500 caregivers and 1,236 volunteers (called “promoters” - they train the caregivers). Every facet of a child’s development is addressed including healthcare and immunizations, nutrition and food security, intellectual/social stimulation, values, and economic empowerment for families. Linda Mwale, The Director of the program in the Diocese of Central Zambia, shared how they pioneered these programs in 2012 and how they’ve grown. They now train leaders in six countries to carry out this important work. Stay tuned for a brief video from Linda. Tomorrow we make site visits to Mikumbila. I want to say DZIKOMO (thank you!) to all who are supporting this great charity. We are at $3,650 toward our $5,000 goal. Let’s build an entire community center for the children of Zambia!

A message from Father Bill in Africa: What a fantastic group of pilgrims on our Episcopal Relief and Development pilgrimage including a Bishop, a Cathedral Dean, the President of the Episcopal House of Deputies, ERD staff folks including the President, and one New Orleans Saints fan. Geaux Saints! We depart from Johannesburg in the morning to engage with the outstanding Early Childhood Development programs in Zambia, which have been so effective they will be expanding to Kenya, Malawi, Ghana and Mozambique. What a fantastic and life-changing charitable organization. Thank you for your support!

From Father Bill: We have arrived in Johannesburg and will gather this evening before heading to Zambia tomorrow morning. Thank you for your support - we have raised $3,600 of our $5,000 goal! And now a word of encouragement from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry: “I am convinced that love is the key to life. I'm also convinced that the opposite of love is not hate but selfishness, and that hatred is merely a derivative of selfishness. Love, on the other hand, is the cure. And I have no doubt that when it comes to love and unselfishness, you are doing a pretty good job! Your donations to Episcopal Relief & Development are an expression of this unstoppable, all-powerful love.” Donate here: HTTPS://tinyurl.com/GoFundMe-Zambia

A message from Father Bill: I was forced to stop in Frankfurt on my way to Zambia and while here I was forced to sample the Franziskaner Weissbeer, which has been brewed in Bavaria since 1363. I am in a room with a Tap that no one is supervising. Danger! Danger! But I digress. While I might drink a Mosi in Zambia, more importantly, I’ll be there to learn about and support the highly effective Early Childhood Development Centers -70 and growing - a joint effort of Episcopal Relief and Development and the Zambian Anglican Council Outreach Program. Reaching out to over 10,000 of the most vulnerable children in Zambia, this program is making a big difference! Here’s what ERD President, Dr. Rob Radke, has to say: “There is rigorous science that shows that if you can ensure a healthy start for a child from zero to three, and ideally up to age six, the long-term payoff is tremendous in terms of overall health, intellectual development and lifetime productivity. On the other hand, if you miss those first critical years, that child can never catch up to become everything that God has dreamed for that child. The work we are doing with ZACOP addresses those first years with integrated approaches supporting early childhood development, child health, nutrition & food security and family livelihood.” Friends - we are over $3,500 raised of my $5,000 goal. I can’t thank you enough for your support!

A message from Father Bill: I’m headed to Johannesburg to meet up with my fellow pilgrims on our Episcopal Relief and Development pilgrimage to Zambia. I’m so grateful to the 44 of you who have already donated $3,200 toward our $5,000 goal! (You can donate through Facebook or GoFundMe) Here I am with Scott Stoner of Living Compass this past weekend, one of those 44 special friends helping me raise funds for ERD Early Childhood programs in Zambia. Join me in supporting this great charitable organization and stay tuned for photos from Africa!

Join Fr. Bill for an epic and life-changing pilgrimage to the Holy Land April 26 - May 7, 2020. Fill out and mail this form to receive a $150 voucher for the trip!

“What you pay attention to will grow.” John Maxwell Great Men’s Retreat with the amazing Scott Stoner!

A message from Father Bill and the Rev. Gay Jennings, President of the House Of Deputies of the Episcopal Church, with Episcopal Relief and Development in Zambia: This has been an extraordinary pilgrimage to Zambia to learn more about and to support the great work of Episcopal Relief and Development. I thank each one of you who has donated to our campaign to help fund the Early Childhood Development programs here in Zambia. You have given so generously to this worthy cause and I am so grateful. You are making a difference in this world! Special thanks to Gay Clark Jennings and this amazing group of pilgrims - eternally bonded in common purpose and service to God. HTTPS://tinyurl.com/GoFundMe-Zambia. Fr Bill

It has been a true gift to participate in this Episcopal Relief and Development Pilgrimage in Zambia. We are blessed to have such a smart, engaged, capable and compassionate leader in President Rob Radtke. Here he shares a bit about why these Early Childhood Development Centers in Zambia are such an important part of our mission. I thank each of you who has been so kind and generous in supporting our Campaign! HTTPS://tinyurl.com/GoFundMe-Zambia. Fr Bill

Last night and today we have been fed with food, music, kindness and inspiration in Lusaka, at the Dinner hosted by the Zambia Anglican Council Outreach Program and worship at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross. Fr. Charley Thomas reminded us that we have a purpose - that God has placed us here to make a difference in the lives of others. He encouraged us never to be satisfied with where we are - for God has called us to something larger and greater. I want to thank each of you who has supported my campaign to build an Early Childhood Development Center for the most vulnerable children in Zambia. Thanks to your generosity we are only $1,2000 from reaching our goal. You can donate here: HTTPS://tinyurl.com/GoFundMe-Zambia. My gift to you today is another song from the African Mothers Union Choir! Dzikomo (thank you!). Fr Bill Miller

Bishop William Mchombo thanked us for for our support of the Early Childhood Centers with a delicious dinner and an inspiring performance from the Mary Sumner African Mother’s Union Choir. They are a positive force to be reckoned with! #episcopalrelief #Zambia19

It takes a village to raise a child. This African proverb is so true. And today, a global village is making a difference in the lives of children all over the world. This village leader is so proud and appreciative of the Early Childhood Development Center that was funded through the Zambian Anglican Outreach Council and ERD. The entire village turned out to welcome us. And I appreciate your support of this initiative to raise $5,000 for Episcopal Relief and Development to build another center. Your donations will go a long way toward making a difference in the life of child. Fr. Bill #episcopalrelief #zambia19 HTTPS://tinyurl.com/GoFundMe-Zambia

Please join me in building an Early Childhood Development Center in rural Zambia for the most vulnerable children. You can donate to our ERD Campaign on Facebook or Go FundMe!

Linda Mwale reminds the church that we are salt and light, seasoning and brightening this world, by helping children achieve their full God-given potential.

The Blue Water Highway Band really is “one of the best new bands in America.” What a beautiful concert tonight!

I just returned from the Elvis Mass rehearsal at Christ Church Covington. Trust me, you do NOT want to miss it! It will be one for the ages! Join us at 9:00 and 11:30 Sunday but get there early. Tell everyone you know within 100 miles of New Orleans! Fr Bill

Absolutely stunning performance tonight by Aldo Lopez Gavilan!