A Spirit-filled celebration
St. Mary’s Welcomes Bishop Wells for a joyful Sunday of worship, remembrance, and renewed community in Vicksburg
by Linda Tolliver
On Sunday, August 2, 2026, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Vicksburg, Mississippi, opened its doors and hearts for a joyful, spirit-filled Holy Eucharist service as the Right Reverend Dorothy Wells, Bishop of the Diocese of Mississippi, visited the mission as guest speaker.
The celebration, held under the welcoming theme “St. Mary’s Welcomes YOU!”, brought together present and former members, clergy, friends, and guests for a day of worship, fellowship, thanksgiving, and remembrance. The service reflected the deep faith and enduring legacy of St. Mary’s while pointing with hope toward the work God continues to do in and through the mission.
Adding beauty and inspiration to the worship service, guest soloist Ms. Lori George of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, shared her musical gifts with the congregation. Her ministry in song lifted hearts in praise and helped set a prayerful tone for the day’s gathering.
One of the most meaningful moments of the day invited worshipers to remember and give thanks for those whose lives had made a lasting difference. Members and guests wrote on cards the names of people who had influenced their lives. At the close of the service, the cards were carried outside and reverently burned. As smoke rose into the atmosphere, the names were called aloud in an act of gratitude, remembrance, and prayer—a visible sign of thanksgiving for lives that continue to shape and inspire the faithful.
Following the service, a reception was held in honor of Bishop Wells and the gathered community. The bishop greeted worshipers, posed for photographs, and spent time in conversation with those present. Her warmth and gracious presence made everyone feel welcomed, valued, and special.
The visit was more than a Sunday event; it was a sacred reminder of the power of Christian community. Through worship, music, memory, fellowship, and prayer, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church celebrated its past, embraced its present, and looked forward with faith to the future. Truly, the message of the day was lived out with joy: St. Mary’s welcomes you.
Survey of the Old Testament
This course introduces students to the literature, history, and theology of the Old Testament through five major units: the Pentateuch, the Former Prophets, the Writing Prophets, Poetry and Wisdom, and the Post-Exilic Writings. Students will study books ranging from Genesis and Exodus to Isaiah, Psalms, Job, Daniel, and the later historical writings, while also learning about the ancient Near Eastern, Persian, and Hellenistic settings in which these texts arose.
Particular attention will be given to the hermeneutical circle, contemporary methods of biblical interpretation, the Deuteronomistic History, prophecy, biblical poetry, wisdom literature, and apocalyptic thought. Through video lectures, assigned readings, class discussion, and close engagement with the biblical text, students will develop a clearer framework for understanding the Old Testament as a diverse collection of writings and as the foundational Scripture of both Judaism and Christianity.
The course is designed for students who want to read the Old Testament with greater historical awareness, literary sensitivity, theological depth, and confidence.
For more information, contact Charles Hawkins at charles.hawkins@ssw.iona.edu.