A—Program rationale and design
Changing attitudes about and expanding ministries to diverse people are the focus of the renewal program for our rector, the Rev. Jim Nixon. (By diverse we mean people who are different from the majority of our congregation in terms of race, origin, sexual orientation, theology, economic status, politics, etc.) The opportunities outlined for intentional exploration and reflection give Fr. Jim the additional experience and insight—and new ideas—he needs to effectively lead us as we seek to follow the teaching of Jesus Christ to love one another as we love ourselves.
The renewal program has five components. The first three relate to diversity; the fourth gives him the refreshment and reconnection with his family that he needs and deserves; the fifth will renew him for a long-term commitment to our congregation. The components are (1) interaction with an Episcopal school that is purposely pursuing diversity; (2) immersion into the Spanish language and the Hispanic culture; (3) experiencing the Taizé community in France and interacting with youth from various parts of the world; (4) travel with family; (5) time at a retreat center for reading, study, reflection, and writing.
The congregation has clearly stated its expectation that St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church will become a more inclusive church and will seek to welcome and minister to a diverse parish community. Fifteen months after becoming rector, Fr. Jim along with 14 lay persons led the congregation on a journey (called “The Emmaus Project”) to discern the will of God for the parish. As a result of this discernment, the vestry adopted eight goals, one specific to diversity. (A goal related to building community among youth also ties into the renewal program.)
St. Catherine’s is located in eastern Cobb County, a suburban community north of Atlanta, GA. “East Cobb” boasts of having the best schools—with the highest test scores—in the state. Attractive neighborhoods with big homes, swimming pools, and tennis courts are in abundance, as are soccer and baseball fields. The populace is largely Caucasian, affluent, educated, white collar, and Republican. East Cobb, therefore, is a homogenized place to live, and it is fair to say that the majority of residents like it just the way it is.
Conditions, however, are changing in the western area not far from St. Catherine’s and the only area where apartments and rental houses are available in any significant supply. Here the Hispanic population is growing. At Wheeler High School, the neighborhood high school two blocks away from the church, the percentage of students of color grew from 31 to 51 percent of the student body from 1994 to 2001. Hispanic students are the fastest growing segment. As the population has diversified, the school’s reputation has suffered. In spite of Wheeler offering a highly selective math and science magnet school, many parents transfer their children because of the growing diversity. One parent says, “The diversity scares some parents, who typically pull their children out, or move, before middle school.”
It would be surprising to learn of any St. Catherine’s family moving to avoid sending their children to the local high school. St. Catherine’s is a warm, spirit-filled church, with a reputation for welcoming newcomers heartily and for generous and compassionate response to people in need both within and outside the church. The parish has always had more black members than any neighboring Episcopal Church. Yet, following the actions of the General Convention of the Episcopal Church with respect to the ordination of a homosexual bishop, we learned that acceptance of certain kinds of diversity—in this case, sexual orientation—is by no means a given among everyone at St. Catherine’s. Within weeks after the Convention affirmed the bishop’s ordination, many parish families left.
With this background, the following are key points in creating Fr. Jim’s renewal program: (1) St. Catherine’s is comprised primarily of white, upper-middle-class families who understand and accept the call to embrace diverse people as their brothers and sisters in Christ, yet struggle with their own prejudices and often resist stepping out of their own comfort zones. (2) The demographics of our neighborhood are changing and with these changes come opportunities for sharing the Gospel and extending Christian hospitality to people different than ourselves, especially the Hispanic community. (3) Fr. Jim has demonstrated that he has the passion and the commitment to lead us in “embracing” diversity. In addition, he has indicated he would like to continue his pastorate with us. We think it is only appropriate to provide him with the tools he needs to do the job required.
We need the Lilly Endowment Grant to provide these tools.
 Rationale for engaging in the clergy renewal program
    The timing of the renewal program allows Fr. Jim to engage in the planned activities in the aftermath of two significant events: (1) the division in our church over the ordination of a homosexual bishop, which resulted in the loss of parish families and a corresponding decrease of $50,000 in pledge income; and (2) a major fire in January, 2004 that destroyed our nearly completed worship space requiring us to rebuild both it and our education building.
    The division created by the first event has been more than offset by the unity from the second and brings us to the question, “How does one lead a community more deeply into its vision of embracing all people, while living in a polarity between that which divides and that which unites?” This is the question we want Fr. Jim to ask himself, to ask others in the context of his planned activities, and to ask us upon his return. Given the emotional events of this past year, we also want him to seek rest and refreshment to reinvigorate his enthusiasm for ministry.
Parish process
Several parishioners, as well as the rector, have been aware of the National Clergy Renewal Program. Over the course of the year, discussions with Fr. Jim about his time of renewal and this grant resulted in five persons developing and writing the proposal, with input from many more. During a congregational meeting, parishioners demonstrated broad and enthusiastic support for the renewal program by volunteering to help with related projects.
Program description
Study of Institutional Diversity at St. Paul’s School, Concord, NH, Three Weeks, April 2005
One of the nation’s oldest and most respected prep schools, St. Paul’s School has attracted students with diverse racial and religious backgrounds from 46 different states and 20 different countries. Although primarily a Christian school, St. Paul’s invites students and faculty members to create an extended family that respects and nurtures individual talent, personal freedom and responsibility, intellectual curiosity and public service.
“If we can develop a sense of respect and cooperation here at the school,” says the Rt. Rev. Craig B. Anderson, the school’s rector, “we will be able to prepare a very gifted group of students … to not only tolerate other points of view but actually respect and embrace diversity in a deeper way. Our mission is not just to promote diversity because it is the politically correct thing to do, but to recognize that it is also the morally correct thing to do.”
To learn how an established Episcopal institution practices such a philosophy, Fr. Jim will participate in a three-week resident program at the school. He will interact with faculty, staff, and students and will look specifically at the ways the school teaches acceptance, resolves conflicts, deals with language and social barriers, and promotes camaraderie.

Immersion in Spanish in Costa Rica, Four Weeks, May-June 2005
Given the growing Hispanic community in St. Catherine’s neighborhood, we believe we have tremendous opportunities to welcome and preach the Gospel to Spanish-speaking people. Fr. Jim agrees: “God has been knocking on my heart about this ministry.” He understands that while being able to celebrate the mass in Spanish is one thing, being able to greet people, meet their children, hear of their joys and sorrows and respond is quite another.
Attendance at the foreign language school in Costa Rica for four weeks is a significant step in learning Spanish. The school is part of an international organization that each year sends thousands of students from around the world to study in over 50 countries in 30 different languages. This four-week immersion gives Fr. Jim an opportunity to be a part of the Hispanic culture and to gain some Spanish language fluency. He will continue his study upon his return.
Pilgrimage to Taizé, France, One Week, June-July 2005
The Taizé Community calls together more than 5,000 young people from 75 different countries during the summer and fall months. These pilgrims gather each week in this “parable of community” to pray, sing, study and do the work of reconciliation. In this atmosphere, Fr. Jim will explore how youth and their openness to the “other” become agents of unity amidst the diversity of cultures and Christian traditions. This experience—along with his time at St. Paul’s—provides a foundation for Fr. Jim, together with our youth leaders, to develop youth ministry that empowers young people to be creators of trust and peace in a world wounded by division, violence, and isolation.
Trip to Normandy, France, One Week, July 2005
The beaches of Normandy and their surrounding cemeteries are powerful reminders of the consequences when human communities cannot live in love or accept those different from themselves. The rows of marble crosses and stars of David represent those in every generation who cast a vision or give their lives to build a world in which we affirm our individual personhood, yet embrace our differences. “Normandy will be another pilgrimage of sorts,” says Fr. Jim. “Having already been there myself, I knew the day I walked through the cemetery that I wanted to take my father, a WWII veteran, and my son. It will be a powerfully emotional experience for each of us.”
Exploring the Loire Valley in France, One Week, July 2005
The Loire Valley is one of the first centers of Christianity in France. St. Martin of Tours, the patron saint of France, roamed this countryside as a staunch defender of the poor and helpless. It is home, as well, to the magnificent 12th century Cathedral of Notre Dame at Chartres. The cathedral’s radiant stained glass and labyrinth have drawn pilgrims for centuries as they seek wholeness, reconciliation, and the mind of Christ.
Summer 2005 marks the 15th anniversary of Fr. Jim’s ordination and his and wife Joan’s 34th wedding anniversary. While Fr. Jim’s ordination changed their lives, they have maintained strong family bonds and a commitment to time together. A trip through the Loire Valley, “the garden of France,” is an opportunity for Jim, Joan, and adult children Katie and Matt to enjoy a very special time together.
Reflection at Whitecliffs Retreat Center, Jasper, GA, Five Weeks, April-July 2005
    A cottage at a retreat center 40 miles north of Marietta in the Georgia mountains is where Fr. Jim can rest between the travel portions of his renewal, focus on academic study of diversity (he is already preparing his reading list), and reflect on his ministry and his time away. The setting is ideal for prayer, reading, study, writing, and relaxation, yet is located close enough so that Joan can be with him and commute to her work.
Fr. Jim’s assessment
“The timing of my sabbatical has two interesting components. First, it comes at the end of seven good years at St. Catherine’s filled with events that have been emotionally, spiritually, and physically challenging. It also comes at a time when my mind is working through what it means to spend more than 6-8 years with a congregation. I see it as a pivotal moment. After seven years, I have pretty much explored and used the resources I have. I see this as a time for me to rethink my ministry among the people of St. Catherine’s. It is an opportunity to bring me back renewed—not just in terms of rest, but also in the sense of new ideas and new appreciation for who we have been as a parish and who we can be.
“My desire to live in the community of St. Paul’s is to learn how to integrate an appreciation of diversity among and with our young people. Living in residence for three weeks will give me the opportunity to meet with various groups, attend classes and events, and interact with students and faculty.
    “The congregational committee asked where might I be pushed? Where might I become uncomfortable in exploring diversity? This is what the language immersion portion of the program does for me. Being in Costa Rica will throw every piece of who I am off balance—being away from my family, away from the known, in a culture where I will not understand the language, and, on top of that, having to learn something in the midst of this experience. What will be important is not just what I’m doing but how I’m feeling as I’m doing it, which I suspect will include feelings of being set apart and being different.
“Taizé has been a place where my heart has been calling me since the early days of my ministry. Ever since I learned about the community from other pilgrims, I have longed to worship in the Church of Reconciliation with hundreds of young people from all over the world.”
Congregation representative statement
    “St. Catherine’s is a far different parish than it was when Fr. Jim arrived in 1998. While it has retained its caring, spirit-filled nature, it has become a larger, more energetic, more involved community. Ministry to youth has grown dramatically in terms of commitment and programs. The 30-something population with its babies, baptisms, and toddlers continues to increase. Our successful capital building campaign in the midst of a significant economic downturn was nothing short of phenomenal. Diversity weekends with Muslim women, noted African-American musician Dr. Horace Boyer, and our Native American companion parish have fueled desires to risk interacting with people different from us. Already saddened by the loss of parishioners in response to the General Convention, we were stunned when fire consumed our new sanctuary and Christian education building on a Saturday morning in January of this year. Throughout it all Fr. Jim has demonstrated leadership and wisdom, empathy and compassion, energy and stamina, discipline and resolve. His spirituality and conviction have been crucial to our congregation. We have no doubts that our new and remodeled physical plant will result in sizeable growth for our church, not just in numbers but in ministries as well. We are committed to supporting Fr. Jim having the best renewal experience possible to continue his empowering ministry.”
Congregation’s plans
    Associate Rector Sherry Coulter will assume the duties of rector during Fr. Jim’s absence. We will support Sherry weekly with supply clergy and with additional training at the Alban Institute. In addition, we plan a parallel program for the congregation, in which the parish will experience some of the elements of Fr. Jim’s renewal. For example, we will use Taizé music and prayers at our services beginning in April 2005. Our Wednesday evening programs will focus on diversity. We will offer conversational Spanish lessons to strengthen our outreach ministries. Our annual diversity weekend in Jan. 2006 will be with the Hispanic community.
Fr. Jim’s communication with the parish
We will keep up with Fr. Jim through “Where in the World is Fr. Jim?” maps around the church, on our parish web site, and in our parish newsletter. We plan to provide him with a video camera to tape short segments of his journey and provide the parish with updates during his time away. Our Congregational Dinner in August 2005 will include Fr. Jim’s travel log.
B—Congregational Information
St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church has been at its present location since it was established in November 1961. Distinctive events include achieving parish status in 1979; the decision in 1980 to stay at our Holt Road location rather than move as suggested by the diocese; “Mother’s Morning Out” becoming a preschool in 1980 and now the leading preschool in the area; building extensions in 1970, 1982, 1989, and 2003; the ordination of our first deacon, Doris Graf Smith, to the priesthood in 1985 and her appointment as our first assistant rector; the founding of a mission congregation in 1996; the Emmaus discernment project, from 1999-2001; and the fire in the “new” sanctuary in January 2004. At the end of 2003, the church had 663 members. Sunday worshipers averaged 290. Fr. Jim has served as rector since July 1998. He was preceded by Larry Packard (1989-1996), David Wayland (1977-1988), and Michael Mulligan (1973-1976).
    St. Catherine’s ministries are the lifeblood of the parish. We are deeply committed to the Christian formation of our parishioners, especially our youth. Outreach to the poor and homeless in our community has been a focus from our earliest days. The parish is active in Habitat for Humanity, does a monthly meal and sleepover at the Elizabeth Inn homeless shelter, and has formed companion relationships with a congregation on the Ute Reservation in Utah and the San Alfonzo Mission in Ecuador (medical mission trips). Within the parish, many members are involved through a variety of pastoral (including Stephen Ministry) and fellowship programs.
C—Pastoral Information
      Fr. Jim was graduated with a Masters of Divinity from the School of Theology at the University of the South in May 1990. Ordained in the Episcopal Church as a deacon that same month and as a priest in March 1991, he has served St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church in Humboldt, TN (1990-1992), and Grace Episcopal Church in New Lenox, IL (1992-1998). He was called to St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church in Marietta, GA, in 1998.
Fr. Jim’s preparation for ministry began during his nineteen-year career as an engineer with The Procter & Gamble Company. His corporate racial awareness training and experience as a loaned executive with United Way of Memphis taught him that we are all different and, in particular, that not everyone shares the same values, life style, and worldview.
His seminary education deepened his passion for “welcoming the stranger” as he encountered theological and liturgical diversity within the student body of the school. In recognition of his work and leadership, he was awarded the Woods Leadership Award, the highest award given by the university in recognition and encouragement of “students of the School of Theology who make a significant contribution to the quality of life in the university.”
      Fr. Jim empowers us as a congregation to focus our ministry, to discern God’s will for our community, and to invite a wide diversity of people into our midst. His conviction that “none of us is as smart as all of us” strengthens our lay ministry and leads us ever more deeply into a nurturing relationship with God and with one another.
      In addition to Fr. Jim’s parish responsibilities, he is dean of the Marietta convocation of churches within the Diocese of Atlanta.

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