March 22, 2017
Volume 7, Number 30
Clergy Spouse Weekend of Wonder at Honey Creek
Dan Snyder and Mary Willoughby spiff up a sign as part of the weekend's service projects.
The Clergy Spouses had a fabulous time on retreat at Honey Creek. They worked; they played; they painted; they prayed. Many thanks to all those who helped to plan and lead the event!

Rod Davis, Jay Lacy, Russell Byrd and David Ronn enjoyed a round of golf at Sanctuary Cove.

Russell Byrd, Cissy Bowden and David Ronn work on another service project: re-upholstering chairs for the dorms.
Cissy Bowden presents a finished chair to Honey Creek Director Dade Brantley.




Gathered for a photo in front of the chapel:  David Ronn and Mary Bullion; standing, from left: Dan Snyder, Jay Lacy, Christine Kelly, Natalie Wetzel, Russell Byrd, Cissy Bowden, Mary Willoughby, Allison Clarkson, Rod Davis, Leslie Parker, Julie Van Ham, Kelly Benhase, Elizabeth Varas (not pictured attendees Virginia Maxwell, Rudy Reyes and Helen White). 
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This Sunday's Lections
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Register Now for Various Leadership Programs
Now in its seventh year, the Church Development Institute (CDI) is a program designed to strengthen the leadership skills and abilities of both laity and clergy. "When both lay and clergy attend as a congregational team a new paradigm around leadership is created with a common language grounded in our Anglican tradition," said the Rev. Walter Hobgood, Director of Clergy and Lay Leadership Ministries for the Diocese,"This then helps churches recognize what is happening in their community, adjust their mission to meet the community as it is, and then manage the subsequent change so that the Gospel is lived out in a vibrant and healthy way."

The next CDI cycle begins in December of 2017 and now is the time to register as spaces fill quickly. Those churches that have not sent a team and those that plan to send another team, are encouraged to register soon with Vicki Schuster at: vschuster@gaepiscopal.org 

In its seven years, CDI has trained teams from 34 churches--a total of 130 individuals. This past year CDI expanded geographically and added a new location in Augusta. "Although this has stretched the capacity of the trainers," said Hobgood, "it has made participating in CDI accessible for more congregations." 

Also included in the Clergy and Lay Leadership Ministries for the Diocese are a  Peer Coaching Program which provides a peer that leaders can trust and go to on a regular basis. "In some cases they help develop new ideas that were in a formative stage, deal with conflict in the church, help with personal issues such as time management or simply provide someone to talk with," said Hobgood. Coaches are trained and certified by the International Coach Federation. There are currently 38 leaders in active coaching relationships, some lasting as long as five years.

An additional program offers laboratory workshops for leaders that fill a gap between what is taught in seminary, in the case of clergy, and what is needed to be successful in ministry. A one week workshop on Emotional Intelligence, the ability to truly understand oneself through the eyes of those with whom we work and serve, and Human Resource Development Skills will be held June 5-9 at Honey Creek. Again, these tend to fill up quickly so those who are interested are encouraged to register soon, especially as it is only offered once a year. Contact Vicki Schuster, vschuster@gaepiscopal.org to register and Hobgood at wphobg@gmail.com with questions.
 
A four-day workshop on Conflict Management is held each year at Honey Creek. "There is not a single church that does not experience conflict of varying degrees," said Hobgood. "God created all of us in such a way that we think differently and experience the world in different ways. This leads to differences of opinions and often to conflict if it is not managed appropriately. Our Conflict Management Workshop is the answer to that."  This year the dates are October 2 thru 5.

The Diocese' Leadership Training work now includes workshops to support congregations within their unique contexts. "The topics have been quite varied," said Hobgood. "They include such things as strategic planning, team building, or managing conflict in the congregation." Contact Hobgood or the Rev. Becky Rowell browell221@gmail.com for a workshop that is custom designed for your leadership team. 

Next Week: Read about the experience of a participant in a custom-designed workshop. 
Call for Holy Week Service Information
We will be promoting Holy Week services held throughout the Diocese on social media this year. Please send the schedule for your church to newsandevents@gaepiscopal.org by March 31st to be included! 
St. Anne's Tifton
Meeting Old Friends in the Dominican Republic

Team members from left: Troy Spicer, Connor Cross, Rich McDonald, Chase Beckham, Ray Cross, Stacey Beckham, Nancy Bryan and the Rev. Lonnie Lacy.

The eight members of the mission team supported by St. Anne's Church, Tifton arrived safely in Santo Domingo on Saturday, March 18. They are taking on light construction projects in homes in the village of Las Carreras, about 50 miles west of Santo Domingo. 

This 2017 trip marks the sixth consecutive year that the St. Anne's team has been in this community. One of the benefits of returning to the same location year after year is the opportunity to reconnect with people the missioners have worked with in the past and building lasting relationships. They return home on Saturday, March 25. 
 
For more information about the four Dominican Republic mission teams sponsored by the Diocese of Georgia and our diocesan companion relationship with the Diocese of the Dominican Republic, click   here.
Above: team leader Stacey Beckham (center) with her son Chase, left, and Dominican translator Juan Carlos Adames, a college student and member of the young adult group of Episcopalians in Santo Domingo who has worked with St. Anne's team for several years. At right, the team lays a cement floor.

 

Bishop's Visitation
King of Peace Dedicates New Building 
Bishop Benhase' visit to King of Peace, Kingsland included the dedication of a new addition, blessings of the vestry and clergy and confirmation. To see more photos from this memorable Sunday, go here.
 
New office space, a meeting room for gatherings such as Adult Sunday School, a dedicated Godly Play classroom, handicap accessible restroom and choir room with vesting area--and additional storage--are all features of the new addition, shown at left. The original building on right was constructed in 2002. 
Parishioner Bill Gross, the general contractor for the project, was presented with a bachelor's chest handcrafted by the parish's verger, Jerry Dellinger Junior Warden and Project Manager. Dellinger also made the altar in the newly dedicated Godly Play classroom, right.
The Rt. Rev. Scott Benhase with those who were confirmed and received. From left: Frank and Caroline Frasca, Jean and Neil Black, Christopher Perkins, R ebecca Weaver, Bishop Benhase, Donna Doersch, Donna Gideon, Amy and Jacob Thompson, Amanda Ross, and Fr. Al Crumpton. Not pictured, Linda Barrnėau. 
Register Now for Lenten Prayer Retreat at Honey Creek
The Rev. Liam Collins is teaming up again with Canon Frank and Victoria Logue to offer a Lenten Retreat at Honey Creek. The 2017 Lenten Retreat will work from the writings of John Main to explore these silences of God and the way of praying that taps into a deeper foundation for our faith. As the teaching is the practice, there will be significant amounts of time given to the practice as well as the teaching about Christian meditation. If you want to experience God more fully in prayer, this retreat will give you the tools and the experience to take that journey. The retreat will meet March 24 at 5 p.m. and conclude by 2 p.m. on the 25th. 

The rates for the conference including three meals are: Lodge 1 Single $144, Lodge 1 Double $99.50, Lodge 2 Single $133, Lodge 2 Double $94, Cottage $90, and Campers and Commuters $64. Click this link to:  register for the conference online.
The Loose Canon is on a well deserved retreat. His column returns next week.
Around the Diocese
Darlene Bourque (shown with her family, above) has accepted the call to serve as Youth Missioner at
Holy Comforter Church, Martinez.


Nan Henson (below) addresses attendees at the Enneagram Conference held last Saturday at Church of the Good Shepherd, Augusta. 
Nan Henson (above) addresses attendees at the Enneagram Conference held last Saturday at Church of the Good Shepherd, Augusta.
  

















Trinity Church, Cochran
member Mike Lee, coach of the Bleckley County Middle School baseball team, presents a jersey to hospital director Maryalice Morro at the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center in Dublin. 


Blue Jean & Pine Straw Sunday at St. Augustine of Canterbury Church, Morrow
Share your news in From the Field
Send your news, events and photos to 
so we can feature them in upcoming issues of From the Field. Deadline for submissions each week is Monday at 4:30 PM.  
Down to the River to Pray
The Creation Care Commission kicked of its "Down to the River to Pray" series on Cathead Creek near Darien last Saturday. The group met in Darien and rode an old school bus out to the creek, where they loaded the kayaks and enjoyed easy paddling on sunny spring day. Readings and questions for reflection along the journey highlighted the importance of water in our physical and spiritual lives. A highlight was a rare sighting of a Swallow-tailed kite. Co-sponsors of the event were Georgia Interfaith Power and Light and St. Andrew's and St. Cyprian's Episcopal Churches of Darien. 

The next event sponsored by the Creation Cares Committee, Down to the River to Pray, will be held on Saturday, April 22, Earth Day, on the Little River near Adel, Georgia (between Tifton and Valdosta), ending at Reed Bingham State Park (shown below). This will be a three-mile, family-friendly paddle--rent a kayak or canoe or bring your own. Details and registration coming this week! There will also be a Down to the River to Pray event at
 Ogeechee Creek (near Savannah) in May!
 
Plan Now for December Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

The Rev. William and Mary Willoughby will lead a pilgrimage to the Holy Land December 4-15, 2017. For a full brochure and more information, click here.
Prayers for Weekly Liturgies
Our one-year prayer cycle combines prayers for every congregation in the Diocese of Georgia with prayers for our ecumenical partners and for our Companion Diocese of The Dominican Republic. The 52 weekly prayers are available in one document  found here. 

March 19-25 
In our diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for our congregation in Cordele, Christ Church and for our ecumenical partners in Cordele, especially St. Theresa Catholic Church. In our companion diocese of the Dominican Republic, we pray for the congregations in Consuelo:  La Gran Comisión ( The Grand Commission) and  San Gabriel ( St. Gabriel). 

March 26-April 1
In our diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for our congregation in Dawson, the Church of the Holy Spirit. We pray for our ecumenical partners, especially St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Camilla, and St. Christopher Catholic Church in Claxton. In our companion diocese of the Dominican Republic, we pray for Espíritu Consolador ( Holy Spirit the Comforter) in Dajabon.
Saluda Cottage Available to Rent

It's known as the Clergy Cottage and although clergy in the Diocese of Georgia get first dibs, it is also available to lay people. The two-story 1920's era cottage is nestled in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina in Saluda, a lovely historic town close to Kanuga, Asheville, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Use it as your pied-à-terre for sightseeing or for simply relaxing in a rocking chair on the wrap-around porch...or both! More information is available here and a photo album of the cottage is online here. It opens May 1st, 2017. For registration and availability please contact Vicki Schuster at the Diocese. 912-236-4279 or via email vschuster@gaepiscopal.org.

Register for April 8th at St. Peter's, Savannah
Registration is still open for the April 8th Project Resource Training from 9 AM to noon at St. Peter's Savannah. Canons Katie Willoughby and Frank Logue co-lead the training created by the College for Bishops. Project Resource gathers the best wisdom in our church on annual stewardship, major gifts, and planned giving campaigns.
There is no cost for this training.  Register online for Project Resource at St. Peter's, Savannah

The first session of the Church Admin 101 and Communicators' Roundtable was a success as leaders from churches in the area gathered at St. Patrick's, Albany. One group learned about the role of vestry and the basics of church administration while a second group gathered to share best practices for church communications. Register today for an informative and fun training with diocesan staff. Workshops run concurrently on the same day/date. 

St. Michael and All Angels, Savannah

Grace Church, Waycross
Our Savior, Martinez
Diocesan Office Update and News  
This Sunday, Bishop Benhase will make his visitation to Calvary, Americus at 9:30 AM Sunday, March 26 and to Georgia Southern University, Statesboro at 6:30 PM Tuesday, March 28th. He will also officiate at the 4 PM Thursday, March 30th gathering at St. Joseph's Community, Savannah. The Bishop's full schedule is available here.

Canon Logue will be preaching at St. Patrick's Pooler, at 10:30 AM Sunday, March 26.

On Sunday, March 26 from 2-5 PM at St. Michael and All Angels, Savannah Canon Logue and Canon Willoughby will be leading Church Admin 101 while Director of Communications Anna Iredale holds a Communicators' Roundtable. 

Bishop Benhase will preside and preach at the noonday Eucharist this Thursday in St. George's Chapel at Diocesan House. 
Feedback on Proposed Canonical Changes is Requested!
 
When Diocesan Council met in February, they endorsed changes to the Canons of the Diocese following a year of discussion. Now Council seeks the input of the parishioners and clergy of the Diocese of Georgia into these changes.

Background
For more than a decade the Diocese of Georgia has rarely used a provision written in our canons that grants the Bishop authority to move parishes who can no longer meet the obligations of a "parish" to "mission" status. Over time, this has created confusion defining which congregations are "missions" and which are "parishes." The differences are about more than mere terminology: this affects both representation to Diocesan Convention and the amount of oversight provided by the Diocese.

The proposed changes, would if passed:
* reduce unnecessary oversight for more than one third of the congregations,
* acknowledge several of our small congregations as full members of the Diocese,
* result in a representative Diocesan Convention, and
* add an extra level of assurance that endowed funds in all parishes are managed with sound investment practices.
For more information about the proposed changes, please go here for an Executive Summary of the proposed changes, the full canons with the proposed changes shown in color, and a chart showing the current delegates to convention compared to the proposed representation.

Timeline
The proposed changes are out for comment from now through May 11. A brief survey to collect responses to the canonical revisions can be found here. Diocesan Council will consider the feedback at its May 12 meeting and amend the proposed changes as needed.

The proposed changes as revised at that May meeting will then go to the Committee on Constitution and Canons for their review. The proposed changes as approved by that committee will then go out to the diocese via email to clergy and Senior Wardens as well as notice in From the Field.

The proposed changes will be on the agenda for the November diocesan convention. If approved, the canonical changes will be in effect immediately.

If the changes are voted and approved during convention, then two key changes go into effect with the language related to mission to parish status go into immediate effect, but the proportional representation delegations to convention will require a second vote at convention in 2018 and go into effect in 2019.
Events
Lenten Prayer Retreat, March 24-25
Led by the Revs. Liam Collins and Frank Logue with Victoria Logue, TSSF
Honey Creek
Go here for more information

Trainings for Vestries, Administrators and Communicators, 
March 26
2-5 PM
St. Michael and All Angels, Savannah
Register here

New Beginnings #50
, March 24-26
Honey Creek
Go here for more information.

Project Resource Stewardship Training, April 8
St. Peter's Savannah 
Go here for more information. 

Chrism Mass for Clergy,  Western Convocations, 11 AM, March 10
St. Anne's Tifton

Chrism Mass for Clergy, Eastern Convocations, 11 AM, March 11
Collegiate Church of St. Paul the Apostle, Savannah


Episcopal Church Women/Daughters of the King Annual Retreat, April 20-22
St. John's Bainbridge
For more information go here.

Missional Voices National Gathering
, April 21-22
Virginia Seminary
Leading thinkers from around The Episcopal Church will discuss innovative ministries, missional communities, and how to participate in the mission of God in our neighborhoods. 
More details are available at Trainings for Vestries, Administrators and Communicators, April 23
2-5 PM
Grace Church, Waycross
Register  here  

Trainings for Vestries, Administrators and Communicators,  May 14
2-5 PM
Our Savior, Martinez
Register 
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