Gaudet Umbrella Ministries | |
An Invitation to Participate in
Gaudet Umbrella Ministries in 2025
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Dear Friends in Christ,
As I planned out our program year, I focused on creating opportunities and spaces that would allow us to connect more deeply with others, understanding their experiences and emotions with kindness and compassion. By embracing empathy, this unity enables us to look beyond our boundaries and truly see and connect with those around us, building stronger relationships within our neighborhoods and communities.
The Lens of Seeing the Beloved is our commitment to supporting and uplifting our lay leaders and clergy -- a transformative journey to walking alongside each other, supporting another on their spiritual path with Jesus, and witnessing the awe-inspiring, transformative power of God's love in their lives and ours. This faithful journey has the potential for creating positive change, growing what already lies within each of us, and inspiring hope and a sense of purpose.
I’ve attached our 2025 working calendar, a color-coded document that illuminates much of our year’s offerings, trainings, and opportunities to serve. Your participation and unique contribution is welcomed and needed.
What area are you curious about? What specific initiative matters most to you right now? The beauty of the Gaudet Umbrella is that all these areas are interconnected and by contributing to one, you actively strengthen the whole.
Faithfully,
Tamika Gerhardt
The Frances Joseph Gaudet Missioner for Congregational Vitality & Beloved Community
tgerhardt@edola.org
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Use this QR code to get Gaudet Umbrella Ministries updates! | |
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Bishop Duckworth will celebrate Eucharist and Rev. Audra Ryes will preach.
9:00 AM: Items can be dropped off at Historic St. Luke's
9:30 AM: Eucharist
10 AM - Noon: Day of Service
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Service Day Activities Include:
Neighborhood litter cleanup - EDOLA youth groups
Creating new community gardens - Environmental Evangelism Commission
Assembling hygiene bags - St. George's, NOLA
Sorting & storing canned goods - Historic St. Luke's Little Food Pantry
Sorting children's books - Historic St. Luke's summer camps
Gaudet/MLK Tours - Historic St. Luke's, NOLA
Weaving plastic mats for the homeless - Ministry of St. Paul's, NOLA
Collections of the following:
Plastic shopping bags
Canned goods only (Can be dropped off at Historic St. Luke’s the day of the event, starting at 9 AM.)
Children's books
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The Reverend Deacon Joan Weber
Ordained to the Transitional Diaconate
December 11, 2024
Trinity Episcopal Church, Baton Rouge
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The Reverend Austin Wendt
Ordained to the Sacred Order of Priests
December 14, 2024
St. James Episcopal Church, Baton Rouge
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Clergy Conference Registration Deadline: Dec. 23
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Please note that staying at Solomon Center on Monday night is optional. You are invited to come early for some retreat time. The Clergy Conference work begins Tuesday and ends Wednesday, 01/7-1/08. | |
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Three-year Priest-in-Charge to Rector position
Christ Episcopal Church, Slidell
Part-time or Bi-vocational Priest-in-Charge
Trinity Episcopal Church, Morgan City
Priest Associate for Christian Formation
Trinity Episcopal Church, Baton Rouge
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Happenings Around the Diocese | |
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St. Paul's Returns Sacred Land to Atakapa-Ishak/Chawasha Tribe
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Louisiana tribe celebrates 'rematriation' of 600 acres, returned by New Orleans church | [Episcopal News Service] St. Paul's Episcopal Church in New Orleans, Louisiana, is nowhere near Lemon Tree Mound. So, it was something of a surprise a few years ago when the congregation learned th... | | | |
Next Steps for the Little Box of Good News™ | |
Our first box has been mailed out to test families. It's been exciting receiving photos and messages from the eager recipients! | |
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Also, stay tuned for The Little Podcast of Good News.
The office coffee spot is being converted into a podcast studio, Father Ron is working up some podcast intro music, and Grace Rose is putting together her list of wise people to interview.
We are thrilled to share the Good News in this new way!
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For information about how your family can receive their own Little Box of Good News™, contact grose@edola.org. | | |
Camp Able NOLA Christmas Party | |
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Camp Able NOLA participants shared in Christmas cheer, decorating ornaments and cookies, at Christ Church Cathedral on Saturday, Dec. 14. Celebrated local singer, Dodie Piper, led everyone in song.
More ornament decorating is happening on Thursday, Dec. 19, from 5:30-6:30 PM at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, New Orleans.
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We'd love to feature your parish and parishioners here, too!
Please share photos of your ministries and community events so we can all see and celebrate the good work that is happening all around the diocese.
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Retreats & Special Events | |
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Women Gather in Community Series:
10/10/2024 - 05/08/2025
9 AM- 2 PM
01/09: Living from Our Spiritual Hearts with The Rev. Ani Vidrine
02/13 Dream with Martha Tennison, LCSW
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01/06 - 01/08
EDOLA Clergy Conference
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Please note that staying at Solomon Center on Monday night is optional. You are invited to come early for some retreat time. The Clergy Conference work begins Tuesday and ends Wednesday, 01/7-1/08. | |
Other Events Around the Diocese | |
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12/21
Out of the Darkness: A Blue Christmas Service
@ St. Michael's Episcopal Church, Mandeville
5PM
St. Michael's Episcopal Church warmly invites you to our Blue Christmas Service, a quiet and contemplative gathering designed to offer hope and healing for those navigating this difficult season.
This service, themed "Out of the Darkness," provides a space to pause, reflect, and be reminded of the light of Christ shining even in the darkest corners of our lives. Whether you’ve faced loss, sadness, or any form of hardship, you are not alone.
Come as you are to experience peace, solace, and the reassurance of God’s unending love. All are welcome.
For more information, please contact us at 985-626-5781 or rbeazley@stmichaelsla.org
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01/06-08
Clergy Conference
@ Solomon Episcopal Conference Center
Please note that staying at Solomon Center on Monday night is optional. You are invited to come early for some retreat time. The Clergy Conference work begins Tuesday and ends Wednesday, 01/7-1/08.
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01/17-18
Inclusive Louisiana Spiritual Retreat
@ Solomon Episcopal Conference Center
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01/19
Third Sunday Concert Series: Shades of Praise Gospel Choir
@ Christ Church Episcopal Church, Covington
Doors at 4:30 PM
Free
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01/20
EDOLA'S MLK Day of Service
@ Historic St. Luke's Episcopal Church, New Orleans
(see details close to the top of this newsletter)
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01/24-25
Ministry Conference
@ Solomon Episcopal Conference Center
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01/25
Dismantling Racism Training
@ Trinitity, NOLA
9 AM - 3 PM
The EDOLA Racial Healing Commission invites you to a brave space of learning and growth in order to faithfully engage in the work of healing and wholeness to which God is calling us.
Based on the Dismantling Racism training offered through the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing in Atlanta, Georgia, this training will “seek to increase racial healing and reconciliation."
This training is for all members of the church and is especially appropriate for clergy, church staff, and ministry leaders
Lunch will be provided.
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