Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 8, 1990 TAG: 9003091904
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: N-3 EDITION: NORTH
SOURCE: FRANCES STEBBINS CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
That's the way Dick Litton and Pamela Wiegandt feel about the experimental cluster program that their parish, Trinity Episcopal of Buchanan, is undertaking with Christ Episcopal of Buena Vista.
Trinity's former rector, the Rev. Richard Hayes, now a church administrator in Maryland, "gave us the idea," Litton said.
Litton, a Botetourt accountant, is chairman of the cluster board and will share the job of running the two churches even after a new minister arrives.
Hayes, a veteran church-growth specialist, was rector of the Buchanan church for two years before leaving this past November.
At that time, Litton said, it became apparent that the small-town parish could not afford to look for a full-time priest.
Farther north, in Buena Vista, Christ Episcopal had been without a rector for two years and also was ready to consider a new way to do ministry.
The Rev. Nancy Roosevelt Cecil, a staff member of the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia in Roanoke, noted that small churches can be more effective in several ways.
"This cluster plan gives lay people a real chance to exercise their gifts of leadership," she said. "It's been quite successful in many dioceses especially where there are a lot of small, rural congregations."
But the cluster plan is new for the Western Virginia diocese. Litton and Wiegandt said they are excited about the idea.
If it works in Buchanan and Buena Vista, several other Episcopal parishes in thinly populated Southwest Virginia counties may enter clusters.
Cluster ministry does not imply merger, the supporters emphasize. An advantage is that it allows "the denominational presence" to remain in a community.
The Botetourt/Rockbridge experiment began with a joint Christmas service. Litton said the board is meeting monthly to plan programs throughout the year.
Christian educator Wiegandt, Jim DeLuca and Jean Eubank from Trinity and Bill Bayly, Kitty Burgwyn, Jane Armstrong and Louise Parham from Christ also serve on the board.
Even though a shortage of money forced the churches into the experiment, the real benefit probably will come from the sharing, Litton said.
An ordained person still will be needed to officiate at sacramental services such as Holy Communion.
Hayes, with his experience developing experimental ministry in other states, even secured the speakers for three Lenten suppers the churches will begin March 11. The Rev. Christine Payden-Travers of Callaway also will speak.
She will be followed on March 25 by the Rev. Blanche Powell of Pearisburg. Linda Johnson of St. Paul will speak on April 8.
Wiegandt noted that the three women all are engaged in ministries grounded in personal commitment to human service.
For more information or to attend the programs, call 254-1574, mornings.
A minister, who probably will not reside either in Buchanan or Buena Vista, is being sought by the cluster board. Litton said he or she will accept the call to serve as clergy mentor, a term that denotes the shared ministry with the cluster board.
by CNB