Global Grace - Liberia
Building on its long companion-parish relationship with Trinity Cathedral in Monrovia, Liberia, Grace will sent its first delegation to the African parish in January, 2009. The intent of the delegation was to create avenues of communication between our two congregations and to learn how we, as a parish, are more able to understand the needs and concerns of our African brothers and sisters in Christ. A report is available at the Grace Resource Center.
Profiles of the Delegates and an Itinerary below
First days in Liberia
“So glad you came,” “Welcome,” “Happy new year,” “Glad to see you,” were just a few of the greetings the Liberia delegation received at Trinity Cathedral, Monrovia, Liberia, on January 11, 2009 – the first service of the delegation’s visit to the Grace Memorial companion parish. The welcome was overwhelming with warmth, hospitality, friendliness and curiosity. (Click on "First days in Liberia" above for the complete story.)
The Bishop Sends Them to the Mission
Meeting Bishop Hart officially on Monday morning, 12th January, the delegation was received warmly. Bishop Hart remembered fondly his visit to Portland in 2004, and the Liberian cross given to Grace Memorial Church at the time. After presenting gifts, the conversation quickly turned to the outreach programs sponsored by Trinity Cathedral. ‘You must see with your eyes….go and visit St. Paul’s and the Bromley School. Then you will know,’ he said. ...for more click on the underlined title above "The Bishop sends them to the Mission"
The Work Continues
St. Andrew’s Chapel inside the Trinity Cathedral was the main location for the delegation on Tuesday and Wednesday. Verna Graue, Karen Eckersley and Rev. Culver sat down with Nancy Freeman, Ellen Ross and Carolyn Kellogg of the ECW to compare program notes and exchange ideas. Verna Graue brought brochures from Grace on the Labyrinth, St. Mary’s Guild, Art Faire and other Grace Memorial programs. Nancy Freeman was touched by the similarities in the healing ministries, ‘Yes, I will also call people who are sick or who we haven’t seen and say ‘We missed you in church,’’ she said.
Esme Jo Culver
Esme joined Grace Memorial in July, 2006 as a transitional deacon and was ordained as a priest in 2007. In addition to her pastoral duties, Esme serves as Administrator for Grace Memorial and as Executive Director for Grace Institute, a non-profit affiliate of Grace Memorial which offers the highly successful summer Grace Art Camp. She also assists Grace Foundation in its development work on behalf of Grace Parish and Grace Institute.
Charles McGee
Charles is the policy assistant for Portland, Oregon, Mayor Tom Potter’s office. He is the father of five children, grandfather of children and is an all-around palm wine lover. He lives in north east Portland with his family in an early 20th century white bungalow under the tall Oregon fir trees.
Charlene McGee
Ms. Charlene Addy McGee is a 27 year native of Monrovia, Liberia. She is the mother to Arinze Na’im McGee, a 7 month old boy. Charlene has resided in Portland, Oregon since May 1992 and affectionately calls Portland her second home. This trip provides the opportunity for her to unite two of the communities that she holds dear to her heart: a nation-Liberia and a state-Oregon. Both Liberia and Oregon remain influential in my evolution as an Africa woman.
Verna Graue
I am a retired registered nurse and very much interested in learning about the people and customs of Liberia. I would like to visit a clinic or hospital just to observe their practices. It would be interesting to learn about their nursing education and if there is any way possible to help them with books or supplies. As part of the Health and Healing team at Grace, I would like to share those experiences with the Trinity congregation. I look forward to bringing back to Grace a positive story of some spiritual sharing that we made with the people of Trinity Cathedral.
Karen Eckersley
Having lived overseas and traveled extensively for my career in telecommunications, I like meeting people and learning about cultures and exploring the world. I also enjoy an afternoon in the kitchen cooking and preparing food--it is deeply satisfying to make a tasty meal for friends and family. I work with the community dinners that Grace hosts whenever possible. I’ve had a lot of jobs in my life, and on this trip we will be using my logistical and writing skills -----and I will be trying to bring the experience of this trip to both parishes.
Agenda Delegation from Grace Memorial to Trinity Cathedral, Monrovia, Liberia
Arrival Roberts Airport, Monrovia
Short visit to JFK Hospital
Meeting at Trinity Cathedral with Cathedral leadership
Lunch with the delegation and Trinity clergy
Registration of passports
Dinner at Neal’s for Karen Eckersley, Verna Graue, Rev. Esme Culver; dinner at C. Massaquoi for McGees
10th January – Saturday
Rafiki Village, children’s orphanage
Lunch with the delegation and Trinity clergy
Sight seeing by new beach hotel, American Embassy district
Dinner at Neal’s Karen Eckersley, Verna Graue, Rev. Esme Culver
11th January – Sunday
Early service 8 am, Rev. Culver celebrant and preacher, Verna Graue serving
Late service 10 am, Rev Culver celebrant and preacher, Verna Graue and Charles McGee serving
Election of Liberian diocese delegates at Trinity Cathedral
Lunch with the Trinity clergy, lay leadership and delgation at the Cathedral
Short visit to the beach for delegation
Dinner at Neal’s
12th January - Monday
Meeting with Bishop Hart for delegation
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Tubmanberg, Bomi County- Rev. Culver preacher, Fr. King celebrant
Lunch on the front porch of St. Paul’s in Tubmanberg
Blue Lake visit
Delegation to the original St. Paul’s (now derelict) in Tubmanberg
Bromley Girl’s School – Diocese of Liberia
Dinner at Clarence Simpson home with Trinity leadership, clergy and delegation
13th January - Tuesday
Cathedral meetings
Lunch with Trinity clergy and delegation
Mercy Corps office
Dinner at Neal’s house for Trinity clergy and delegation
14th January - Wednesday
Meeting with ECW at the Cathedral
Eucharist in St. Andrew’s chapel
Executive Council of the Cathedral Chapter meeting (ECCC) with delegation
Audience with the President of Liberia, with delegation and Trinity clergy
Dinner at Bishop Hart’s house on Bushrod Island for delegation, lay leadership and Trinity clergy
15th January - Thursday
Liberia Broadcast Service, radio show ‘Liberian Panorama’ with Isaac Lloyd and Ivy Fairly for delegation
Cathedral meetings
Lunch with Trinity clergy and delegation
Dinner with Neal’s
Leave for airport