From the Field
is a weekly eNewsletter of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia sent out each Tuesday.
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Fall Clergy Conference
The Episcopal Preaching Foundation will bring the program for this fall's Clergy Conference
October 2-5 at Honey Creek. The conference will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday evening October 2 with dinner and the Bishop's time for informal sharing. The conference program begins Monday morning and continues through lunch on Wednesday, October 5.
The conference program begins Monday morning and continues through lunch Wednesday, October 5. The conference rate is $250, which is a double occupancy rate (based on two persons in the room), $380 for single, and $160 for commuters. The fees cover all costs of the conference including program, lodging, and meals.
Register Online:
Clergy Conference Online Registration |
Spirituality Retreat
Full information for the Grounded in God spirituality retreat to be held at Honey Creek October 28-29 is now online here:
Grounded in God Brochure |
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One highlight of the meeting was worshipping in the historic building now under renovation. The group also enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Johnson's Barn, at the home of a parishioner.
Diocesan Council
Priorities Set, Direction Approved
The Diocesan Council met this past Friday and Saturday at St. Luke's, Hawkinsville to set budget priorities and to approve the direction of the upcoming capital campaign. The group, which functions for the Diocese much as a vestry to a church, is an elected body of laity and clergy. In its financial oversight role the group discussed the 2010 Draft Audit for the Diocese and priorities for the 2012 budget. The Diocesan Finance Commitee will continue its work on the 2012 budget based on this input and present a budget back to council at its November meeting.
Supply Clergy Compensation Raised
During Canon Logue's presentation, the Council unanimously approved an increase in the base compensation for supply clergy from $100 to $125 for the first Sunday service. This is the first increase in more than a decade and is a move toward bringing our diocese in line with other Episcopal dioceses in the southeastern United States. As most of the other dioceses pay at an initial rate of $150, the council action also called on churches that can afford to do so to pay at that $150 rate effective immediately. The full policy is online at the top of the Supply Clergy Page at the diocesan website.
Other Business On Friday, the Council heard an update from Honey Creek and recieved a full report on where the Bond Sales have come from and how the money has been used and will be used as more is available (see below). On Saturday, Council worked through the A New Era of Mission capital campaign to get a better feel for what to expect as the campaign goes forward as well as what new opportunities will be created by funding the strategies in the campaign. |
Diocesan Office Update
Bishop Benhase will be in Quito, Ecquador from September 14-21 for a Meeting of the House of Bishops.
Canon Hall will lead the Episcopal Campus Ministry Meeting at Armstrong Atlantic State University this Wednesday. On Sunday, she will preach and celebrate at St. Paul the Apostle, Savannah.
This Sunday, Canon Logue will celebrate and preach at St. Francis of the Islands, Savannah.
Rudy Reyes has been, in addition to his financial duties for Canon Willoughby, working on parish websites and will be turning his attention to getting demographic data to congregations, providing insight into the communities around the church. |
Honey Creek Bond Sale Update
The Diocesan Council heard a full report on the Bond Sale from Charlie Hough, who serves as the Chair of the Honey Creek Commission. The written report Hough handed out is now posted online here: Bond Status Report.
Since the report went out another two bonds were purchased bringing the total sold to date to $1,105,000. The chart above showing the portions of the Diocese in relation to bond purchases remains close to the above even with these two sales. Sales continue. To receive a prospectus on the $2 million sale of 10-year 5% interest bonds, contact Canon Mary Willoughby at (912)236-4279 or mwilloughby@gaepiscopal.org
This Weekend at Honey Creek
9/16-9/18: Daughters Of The King Presidents' Meeting
Coming soon to Honey Creek
10/2-5: Fall Clergy Conference (with Episcopal Preaching Foundation) 10/7-10/9: Fall Gathering - Diocesan Youth Event 10/28-29: Grounded in God Spirituality Retreat 11/4-11/6: New Beginnings 11/11-12: Clergy Spouses Conference |
Canons Offer One-Day Workshop for Sr. Wardens/Treasurers and Young/Young Adult Workers
Canons Willoughby, Logue, and Hall will offer a one-day workshop for wardens, vestries, and youth workers on Saturday, October 15th, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Episcopal Campus Ministry House on Fair Road (GA 67) in Statesboro.
Senior Wardens and Treasurers will gather together with Canons Willoughby and Logue to discuss the nuts and bolts of the work of the vestry. Included will be the basics of Episcopal Church business with time for questions from participants and sharing best practices from church to church. Other vestry members may attend. The material to be presented will be shared with clergy in advance at the upcoming Clergy Conference.
Concurrent with the workshop for wardens and vestries will be a workshop for adults who work with youth and young adults. Any adult, whether paid or unpaid, whether youth group or Christian education focused is invited to attend. This will be a time for networking; sharing best practices; rejoicing; complaining; disseminating information on youth events; and sharing information on Safeguarding God's Children/Safeguarding Online.
Course to Be Offered Again
The canons will repeat this one-day workshop again in the spring at a location on the western side of the diocese, so as
to make attending the workshop as convenient as possible for all. Realizing that October 15th is short notice for many, the canons believe this workshop will be of some benefit nonetheless.
This workshop is not mandatory. Churches should feel no pressure to send representatives on October 15th, as the workshop will occur again, and will be rotated throughout the diocese. The canons' hope is that the workshop will be repeated two to three times per year.
To Register
Lunch will be provided. Please click this link to register online. For more questions on the workshop, please call Diocesan House at (912) 236-4279 to speak with one of the canons. |
Clergy Spouse Retreat in November
The Clergy Spouse Support Group of the Diocese of Georgia will hold a retreat November 11-12 at Honey Creek. A flyer for the event is online here: Clergy Spouse Retreat
Fees: lodge rooms, single occupancy with meals for Friday evening and Saturday breakfast and lunch is $98.06 ~ without meals $65.99. Double occupancy with meals is $87.06 ~ without meals is $54.99. Hunt and Chaplin Cottages are also available at this time.
Call Honey Creek directly to make your reservation. Carolyn is available to take your reservation during week day office hours by call (912)265-9218. Call either Leslie Parker (912)232-2893 or Geri Nelson (office) 912 355-3110 if you have any questions, requests, suggestions. |
Safeguarding God's Children
Trainers Encouraged to Contact Canon Hall
Safeguarding God's Children trainers are encouraged to contact Canon Hall so that she can update the diocesan list of trainers. When contacting Canon Hall, trainers are asked to provide:
- Name
- Church affiliation
- Mailing address
- Email address
- Phone number(s)
- Approximate date you became a SGC trainer
For more information on Safeguarding God's Children or Safeguarding Online, please consult "Safeguarding FAQs" on the Youth and Young Adults Website: www.edogy.org. (Hover over the "Safeguarding Online" tab at the top of the page. Then click on "Safeguarding FAQs.") |
The Rev. Abi Moon with The Rt. Rev. John Howard, Bishop of Florida. Howard ordained Moon to the priesthood on behalf of Bishop Benhase. She serves at St. John's Tallahassee. Photos of the ordination are online here: Moon Ordination photos.
Upcoming Ordinations
The Rev. Deacon Walter Hobgood will be ordained at Christ Church, Valdosta, on September 24 at 4 p.m.
The Rev. Deacon Al Crumpton will be ordained at St. Mark's, Brunswick, on October 1 at 4 p.m. |
1Book1Diocese for Advent and Lent
As announced last week, the diocesan office is offering a 1Book1Diocese for Advent and Lent using the book In Your Holy Spirit: Traditional Spiritual Practices in Today's Christian Life by Michelle Heyne (Ascension Press, 2011). The book regularly sells for $13.95 (plus postage). The Parsonage Bookstore at Good Shepherd in Augusta has the books on hand and will pass along the benefits of their volume purchase. The Parsonage is offering the books for $11.23 ($10.50 + $.73 tax) plus postage. Contact the bookstore by phone at (706) 733-6130 or email to parbook@bellsouth.net
Your Help Is Welcome
In Advent, we will teach and practice together, daily Morning and Evening Prayer. Clergy and lay people alike are asked to participate. Please email newsandevents@gaepiscopal.org with two things:
1) Either a photo of you praying in the space or just the place where you pray. Do not pretty it up for a picture. Just show us where you spend time in prayer each day.
2) Send a short statement of your experience, good and bad in praying the offices both in community and on your own.
We can receive either of the above or both. They will be shared at the 1Book1Diocese website in Advent. |
Youth and Young AdultsRegistration Now Open for Fall Gathering 2011 Join us for Fall Gathering 2011, October 7 - 9, 2011 at Honey Creek, where musician, songwriter, and producer Fran McKendree will lead us in worship, workshops, and a special concert on Saturday evening.
Ages: 6th grade - 12th grade Cost: $110 Deadline to register: September 30, 2011
Click here to download a PDF of the application. Click here to register online. |
Youth and Young Adults - New BeginningsMorris Named
as CoordinatorTim Morris, Director of Family Ministries at St. Paul's, Albany, has been named New Beginnings coordinator. Morris will replace long-time coordinator Rylan Smith, who has relocated to the Diocese of Central Florida. Smith, who has very ably led the New Beginnings program for several years, will coordinate the upcoming November weekend, and Morris will shadow her there. The Diocese is deeply grateful to Rylan for her many years of service to youth programs.
New Beginnings is a three-day retreat weekend for students in 7th through 9th grades, though high school students and adults may serve on Team. The next New Beginnings weekend will be at Honey Creek, November 4-6, 2011.
Team Application and Participant Registration Now Open and Available Online
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Christ Church, Valdosta
Groundbreaking Set for September 25
The many worship services and programs of Christ Episcopal Church need additional and more appropriate space to operate effectively. In 2008 a Facilities Committee developed a long-range plan to prioritize the church's needs, and this three-stage plan emerged:
- Phase 1 would include the construction of an education building to house the Youth and Children's programs and a Nursery, our first priority.
- Phase 2 would include a Parish Hall and Kitchen.
- Phase 3 would include a Sanctuary and the renovation of the current Sanctuary to a Chapel. The Transept would become a library, and the existing Parish Hall and Kitchen would become adult education classrooms.
After a feasibility study indicated that the church could raise the capital through a combination of contributions and loans, the church launched a three-year capital campaign in February, 2010. The church is now in the second year of the campaign with Phase 1 construction anticipatedlater this month. With more than $1.5 million planned and nearly half of that amount in hand, the vestry endorsed moving ahead using those funds and a loan approved by the Standing Committee. The groundbreaking ceremony for that construction will be on Sunday, September 25th when Bishop Benhase will be at Christ Church for his annual visitation. |
The Loose Canon
Four Patterns for Stewardship
Given that your stewardship campaign should change from year to year, I want to name four common ways of going about obtaining pledges. All of these have their plusses and minuses and any of them done year after year may grow stale.
Every Member Canvass Canvassers call upon prospective givers/pledgers, talk about the mission and work of the congregation, its role in the lives of those being visited, the canvasser's own witness, and invite a financial commitment. Twenty years ago this was the most effective method. Today it is less so, but still a powerful strategy. Training for canvassers required.
Stewardship Banquet This meal for the congregation is complete with special activities for the children, an engaging speaker, time for witness to the value of the mission and ministry of the congregation in the lives of members and the community, and an invitation to give as God is calling us to give. Training for table hosts required.
Home Meetings These small group meetings in members' homes provide opportunities for conversations about the work God is calling the congregation to do. They are an excellent idea for congregations engaged in vision/mission review and future planning. One word of warning: the home meeting setting can be disastrous for congregations experiencing conflict. Training for hosts and discussion leaders required.
Personal Notes Think of it as an every member canvass conducted on personal stationery. These are personal notes, written by members of the congregation to other members, not to be confused with the letter composed by the rector or senior warden mail merged through the computer (or, even worse, copied on the copier) and sent to everyone. Letter writers tell why they give and ask others to respond to their own call from God. Training for letter writers is critical.
What is your congregation doing that works well? Let me know and I will share your ideas with the Diocese. Please email me at flogue@gaepiscopal.org
The Rev. Canon Frank Logue
Canon to the Ordinary
The Loose Canon is a regular column in From the Field whose content is gathered together with other items of interest to those concerned with congregational development at loosecanon.georgiaepiscopal.org |
The Daughters of the King Chapter Presidents Retreat and Workshop
The Order of the Daughters of the King Chapter Presidents Retreat and Workshop will be held at Honey Creek on September 16 and 17. Details are as follows:
WHAT: DOK Chapter Presidents Retreat and Workshop WHEN: Friday, September 16 and Saturday September 17 WHERE: Honey Creek Conference Center THEME: Strengthening and Growing the Order in the Diocese of Georgia
Instead of a guest speaker for this retreat and workshop, we will be prayerfully focusing on how to strengthen and grow the Order within the Diocese. Each chapter's input is crucial to this process so as Chapter President, please make plans now to have a representative at the meeting if you cannot be there yourself.
Registration begins at 3 p.m. Friday, September 16 and the event closes about 3 p.m. Saturday, September 17. Please make reservations for Friday night directly with the staff at Honey Creek (www.honeycreek.org or 912.265.9218).
A copy of the registration form is attached.
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Knitter's Retreat
October 19-21, 2011 Honey Creek Episcopal Camp and Conference Center Waverly, Georgia. Easy access off I-95 Exit 26 Room rate single rate $127.00 per person per day Double rate $83.00 per person per day Dorm rate for 7 or more $60.00 per person per day $100.00 Deposit due October 1, 2011
Sessions Include
Magic Ball Come and learn the mystery of the knitter's magic ball. A magic yarn ball is a great stashbuster project using your left over yarn and recycled trinkets. As a community outreach project we are asking that you make one magic ball for the knitting community in the Dominican Republic and one for yourself. Materials needed: needles; bunches of left over yarn, all sorts, yarn pieces need to be at least 5 yards in length; small trinkets like specialty teas; jewelry; and any small items that can be wound into the yarn ball; ball winder, Session free Taught by Julia Timmons
Tunisian Crochet Learn the beautiful art of Tunisian crochet considered by many to be a cross between knitting and crochet. The distinctive fabric created by this technique looks almost woven.Materials available for purchase. Class session $10.00 Must be able to do a chain and a single crochet stitch to participate Taught by Sandi Postle
Beading Beaded Ear Rings Create a beautiful pair of custom designed beaded earrings. Learn the technique of the wrapped loop.Beading supplies available for purchase.Beading kits $5.00 and up. Please bring jewelers pliers if possible. Taught by Susan Koide
Beaded Bracelets
Learn the technique of adding beads to knitting. Materials needed: size 2 needles; 25 yards of sock weight yarn; #6 beads.Supplies also available for purchase. Taught by Julia Timmons
Leaf Scarf Learn to knit this unique leaf scarf just in time for fall. Learn this lacy new pattern using fat needles and fat yarn. Matreials needed: #15 needles and at least 150 yards of SUPER bulky yarn.Yarn kits also available for purchase. Free pattern available at www.spudandchloe.com Taught by Julia Timmons
Sit and Knit Come meet, enjoy, and share knitting techniques with knitters from across the coastal empire and the low country.
Water Aerobics Come and join us for an hour of stretching, fun, and movement in the swimming pool. Just bring your bathing suit, water noodles provided. Taught by Susan Kiode $3.00 per person
Door Prizes Demonstrations
Please contact Susan Hill, 912-844-9906 shill@eds.edu for additional information. To register please call Honey Creek 912-265-9218. To view facilities go to www.honeycreek.org
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Christ Church, Valdosta
Special Olympics Scarf Project
Calling all knitters and crocheters to join the Christ Church Stitchers of Love in this year's Special Olympics project! Hand-made scarves in red and blue are needed for the 2012 Georgia Special Olympics Winter Games; the competition benefits both children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Guidelines and links are posted at http://www.christchurchvaldosta.org/?page_id=2174 .
"My vision," Deacon Patricia Marks says, is to have the altar covered with scarves from all over the Diocese for a special blessing in December." For further information, contact her at 229-630-8644 or spmarks@bellsouth.net. |
Vi Fluentis Children's Choir
Vi Fluentis (vee Flew en tis)↔Latin, flowing energy
www.vifluentischildrenschoir.org Take a peek at Artistic Director Kathleen Turner's work with the Austin Children's Choir
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57RIChzfeBw
Vi Fluentis Children's Choir is a community children's choir to benefit young children ages 8 and older in our community who have a passion for music and singing.
The mission of Vi Fluentis is to nurture and develop Golden Isles-area children from diverse backgrounds in the joys and discipline of high quality choral singing, music education, and performance; to offer a curriculum of varied repertoire including classical, popular, and multicultural music, and to enrich the musical scene of the Golden Isles with the unique children's choir sound.
To arrange your audition contact Kathleen Turner Founder and Artistic Director (912) 638-8331
www.vifluentischildrenschoir.org kathleen@vifluentischildrenschoir.org |
Youth and Young Adults The Diocese Seeks Volunteers to Form a Steering Committee for Young Adult Ministry
Young adult ministry is not limited to campus ministry, though the latter does fall under the umbrella of the former. The age of a young adult is debatable, but generally, the span of young adulthood begins when an 18-year-old graduates from high school and lasts until one turns 30-years-old. Therefore, the single, 19-year-old college sophomore and the married, 29-year-old mother of two are both considered young adults. The Diocese is forming a steering committee for diocesan young adult ministry. Ideally, this committee would:
- Plan, implement, and lead a yearly fall young adult retreat
- Unify the campus ministries
- Recruit for and participate in the Vocare in Georgia ministry
- Work with the Canon for Youth and Young Adults to grow non-campus young adult ministry, while nurturing our existing campus ministries
- Meet at least quarterly, in person or via WebEx
If you think you might be called to this exciting and dynamic ministry, please email Canon Hall.
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St. Thomas, Thomasville
Renovations Blessed, Fall Ministry Fair The rooms above the parish hall at St. Thomas, Thomasville, were recently renovated allowing for two additional atria for the church's thriving Godly Play program. The space was blessed this week with a procession led by incense and crucifer that included a number of parents and children and headed up by The Revs. Judy Jones, Marcia McRae, and The Rev. Canon Frank Logue. The blessing was immediately before the Sunday liturgy, which was followed by a fall ministry fair showcasing the many ways one can get involved at St. Thomas.
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King of Peace, Kingsland
Scouts Retire Flags in Ceremony
The Scouts of Troop 226 retired flags in a solemn burning held on the grounds of King of Peace. The church founded the Boy Scout Troop and Cub Pack as a part of its ministry to the community. The service of retiring worn flags is one way the Scouts give back to Camden County. The congregation's new rector, The Rev. Bill Hesse, is shown in the foreground at left helping a Cub Scout fold a flag. |
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so we can feature them in upcoming issues of From the Field.
Sincerely,
Diocesan Staff The Episcopal Diocese of Georgia |
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