Province IV Synod...more on Kanuga Toast

Update by The Very Rev. Wil Keith, clergy deputy from The Episcopal Church in South Carolina

Our mornings here at Province IV Synod begin with a Kanuga tradition: the “Kanuga toast.”  I know what you are thinking, being so close to Pentecost and all.  No this isn't us raising our glasses at breakfast, proudly assenting with a hearty, “here, here!”  Contrary to what you may hear, we are not filled with new wine, for it is only 9 o'clock in the morning. 

Now, if you know about Kanuga Toast, feel free to skip ahead.  If you love Kanuga toast and feel that it is a cornerstone of not only a healthy breakfast, but of the entire Episcopal Church, (and neither is complete without it,) I entreat you, skip ahead.  

The dessert, as arid as Kanuga Toast

For, I find the stuff a mystery.  It is less “toast” and more “giant crouton” to me.  I'm led to believe that it is not toasted, but left out in the sun for at least 48 hours so that it may dry to something that is both rigid and allegedly throwable like a frisbee.

One other facet of this mysterious breakfast staple here at Kanuga is that it doesn't exist back home.  If fact, with our elevated humidity, I'm not convinced it could exist in our diocese.  And so, for good or bad, we must come to this magnificent, peaceful, and holy place to find it.

The same goes for the community that we find here at Province IV Synod, where we are joined by Episcopalians from throughout the Southeast.  Unlike Kanuga toast, I find that it is this community that is a cornerstone of our denomination. 

Today, after the aforementioned toast and morning prayer, our day began with the tradition of the “roll-call.”  Ms. Angela Daniel, Province IV president, calls out each diocese’s deputation by name and they respond as only they can.  For instance, the Diocese of East Tennessee sings “ rocky top, you’ll always be home sweet home to me!”  Western North Carolina gives a hearty “Hey Y’all!” And, when it was our turn we stood and in a unified voice said, “Still here! Still faithful! Still Episcopalians!” And the assembled responded with applause and cheers that our deputation will gladly carry home to our churches.

The community of Province IV Synod is singular.  In many ways it can only be found here, like Kanuga toast.  In truth, we are very lucky to have a strong Provincial Synod as many provinces do not.  This gathering encourages us to collaborate across diocesan lines though ministries that are to large and important to confine in one neighborhood.  We find encouraging words and deeds that reignite the passions that brought us here. And perhaps most important to me, we are reminded that we are not alone in the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement; that we are prayed for; that we are loved.

I'll gladly endure the toast, for it comes with great blessing.