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August 21, 2019
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Volume 9, No. 52
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EYCS Awards Scholarships to 50 Students
The Episcopal Youth and Children's Services (EYCS) has awarded $81,650 in scholarships to 50 students from throughout the Diocese of Georgia for the academic year 2019-2020. For a list of the students who received awards, and their attendant parishes, please go
here. In addition to the college scholarships, EYCS awarded $10,000 for camp scholarships to Honey Creek.
The EYCS will begin accepting applications for 2020-21 scholarships after January 1, 2020. The form and more information will be published in
From the Field
closer to that date.
EYCS Board members include: Cort Atkinson, St. John's Savannah; Cathy Baxter, St. John's Savannah,
Chairman; Marie Centgraf, St. Michael and All Angels,
Corresponding Secretary; Mary Ann Gephart, St. Francis' of the Islands;
Patricia Glover, St. Patrick's Pooler, Publicity; Claudia Griffis, St. George's Savannah; George Anne Inglis, All Saints Tybee; Sarah Jones, Christ Church Savannah; Kitty Kastick, St. Francis' of the Islands; Georgette Kelley, St. Matthew's Savannah; Sally Minis, St. Thomas Isle of Hope;
Lisa Priest, St. Peter's Savannah; Anne Salley, St. Michael's and All Angels Savannah, Corresponding Secretary; Pam Smith, St. Thomas' Savannah, Scholarship; Mary Willoughby, Collegiate Church of St. Paul's, Treasurer.
Congratulations to all of the students and many thanks to the Board!
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This Sunday's Lections
TENTH SUNDAY
after
PENTECOST
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Track 1
Isaiah 5:1-7
Psalm 80:1-2, 8-18
Hebrews 11:29-12:2
Luke 12:49-56
Track 2
Jeremiah 23:23-29
Psalm 82
Hebrews 11:29-12:2
Luke 12:49-56
Go
here for the full text.
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To download a PDF version of the timeline suitable for posting, go
The names of candidates for the XI Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia will be published at
3 PM, Sunday, September 1, 2019 by the Standing Committee.
The news will be distributed through this (
From the Field) mailing list, on
georgiabishopsearch.org,
gaepiscopal.org and through social media.
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Clergy Conference Registration Now Open
Our Fall Clergy Conference will take place Monday, September 30 to Wednesday October 2. Clergy are expected to arrive in time for Evening Prayer at 5:30 PM on Monday. The conference ends with lunch on Wednesday.
Registration is available through the Honey Creek website
here. Please note that there are separate registrations for different lodging preferences, and those registrations are limited by the availability of different types of rooms.
The previous year's gathering at Honey Creek.
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Ask the Bishop This Friday!
Ask the Bishop, an informal conversation with the Rt. Rev. Scott Benhase will be held once again this Friday, August 23rd at 11 AM.
Submit questions on theology, the teachings of Jesus, or the
mission and ministry of the Diocese of Georgia to
[email protected]
and get your answers live on Facebook on Friday. It will also be possible to post questions in the comments on the day of the livestream.
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Administrator's Corner
September 1: Deadline for Parishes to Submit Audits
 Audits are an annual canonical requirement, but this year it is especially critical to do so to ensure that your parish can have voice and vote for the election of the 11th Bishop of the Diocese of Georgia. Audits, along with parochial reports, are required for voice and vote at the annual Diocesan Convention. We had 100% submission rate of parochial reports this year--we're looking for the same response regarding audits.
Please note: if you are unable to meet the September 1 deadline, please reach out to me.
Just in case you missed this Administrator's Corner when it appeared in May, we're running it again:
The Diocesan Canons require audits/financial review of congregation financial operations. If the annual operating budget is greater than $500,000, a full third party audit is required. If less than $500,000, the Diocese has a 36-question internal control checklist that parishes can use for individuals, not associated with financial procedures, to review records and procedures.
All audits are submitted for final report to the Diocesan office by September 1st. Many congregations partner each year to review and conduct checklists for submission. You can find the checklist
here
.
It can be a daunting task each year for administrators, clergy, and volunteers to get themselves organized for a review. The following are some best practices to consider when preparing:
- Keep detailed records - Each year, the vestry should review the record keeping practices of its parish/organization. Whether it is paper or electronic, detailed records of account payables, receivables, endowments, assets, and other detailed financial transactions should be kept in a well-organized and effectively searched method
- Maintain security - Many records hold sensitive information. Please ensure that files are either password protected, on a secure network, or kept in lockable file cabinet
- Make a checklist - Many professional audit firms will provide a detailed checklist of items to gather and review. Checklists are a great way to organize yourself for record pulling and review. Review the internal controls checklist to determine what files and reports help answer audit questions. Your checklist can also help administrators and volunteers divvy up tasks and take ownership or reporting information
- Determine recommendations - Each year should result in recommendations for improvement of procedures, policies, and reporting--even if it is small improvements and determining best practices for financial controls
- Report and communicate - Once an audit is complete, make sure to supply reports to vestry members and communicate impacts of reports to congregations. This helps to support budget and annual stewardship campaigns
Audits are designed to help churches manage its resources. It is also a great opportunity for vestries to learn detailed administrative requirements. Many people get nervous around this time-period, but it can be a wonderful learning opportunity for your leadership and community.
For answers to any questions, please reach out to
me.
Katie Easterlin
Canon for Administration
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Revel in God's Natural Sanctuary at Creation Care Camp-out
 Join the Creation Care Commission (CCC) and friends for a weekend in God's natural sanctuary at the Second Annual Creation Care Camp-out at Reed Bingham State Park in Adel, Georgia - about halfway between Tifton and Valdosta. This weekend camping retreat includes group tent camping, a service project, outdoor worship, delicious camp meals, wildlife observation, and outdoor adventures (hiking, kayaking, fishing, swimming). Come for the whole weekend or just a day or half day. Camp with the group, bring an RV, or stay at a local hotel. ALL are welcome. Park information can be found
here.
All participants will need a $5 park pass or annual pass to enter. Tent camping sites are provided by the CCC. Those staying for supper on Friday and Saturday nights will bring food items to contribute toward a group meal; breakfast, lunch, and snacks are bring-your-own. A shared camp kitchen, coffee/beverage station, and group gathering space are provided. On Saturday, the group will volunteer for Your State Parks Day, assisting park staff and local volunteers with a service project at the park. Last year, the group helped clear park trails.
For details or to register, click here or email [email protected]
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Georgia Interfaith Power & Light's Second Annual
Coastal Green Team Summit will be held at
St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Savannah, 8 AM to 2 PM Saturday, October 19. All Creation Care champions and environmental stewards from congregations across the state are invited to join GIPL for this interfaith celebration featuring inspiring keynote address, educational workshops, and a sustainably-sourced lunch.
Eco-Activist Dr. Matthew Sleeth, Speaker
The keynote speaker this year is
Dr. Matthew Sleeth
, a former atheist and chief of hospital medical staff, turned eco-activist. Together with his wife and two children, he began to bring his lifestyle in line with his values, cutting back on their fossil fuel by two thirds and electricity use by nine tenths. Following a new calling, Dr. Sleeth resigned from his position as chief of the medical staff and director of the ER to teach, preach, and write about faith and the environment throughout the country.
Dr. Sleeth is the executive director of
Blessed Earth. Recognized by
Newsweek as one of the nation's most influential evangelical leaders, he has spoken about the biblical call to be good stewards of the earth at more than one thousand events, campuses, and churches, including the Washington National Cathedral. He is the acclaimed author of
Serve God, Save the Planet and the introduction to
The Green Bible. Dr. Sleeth will talk about his research, work, and his latest book,
Reforesting Faith: What Trees Teach Us About The Nature of God And His Love For Us
.
This will be a great opportunity to network with other people of faith committed to the shared work of caring for the Earth. You'll walk away with best practices for engaging your congregation back home too!
 Join with people of faith engaging in bold acts of stewardship and sustainability for all of Creation!
Tickets are $25 for an individual and $75 for a Green Team (of up to 4 people). GIPL encourages you to bring your whole Creation Care/Green Team!
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2020 Vestry Retreat Availability at Honey Creek
 Honey Creek is the perfect natural setting for a fresh new start to a wonderful 2020! Fall is the perfect time to plan your upcoming 2020 parish and vestry retreat to be held at beautiful Honey Creek. Before the holiday rush ensues, take advantage of pre-planning your annual meetings now.
Book a retreat before December 1, 2019, and take advantage of the 2019 booking rates!
At this time, Honey Creek is offering three separate weekends dedicated especially to small group meeting needs.
January 31 - February 2, 2020
February 7 - 9, 2020
February 14 - 16, 2020
Honey Creek provides the perfect intimate setting for vestry and parish retreats. Be sure to inquire about our special group activities available to our Honey Creek guests. We are happy to assist you in creating the perfect retreat weekend for all of your participants, young and the young at heart. For more information contact Georgeanne Youngner.
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New Beginnings #55
September 6-8, 2019
Grades 7-9
Honey Creek
Cost:
$125
Above, the staff for the upcoming New Beginnings #55 were commissioned this past weekend at Christ Church Frederica and will be ready for the event that begins on September 6 at Honey Creek.
New Beginnings, a retreat for youth in Grades 7-9, takes place in just over three weeks! Participants in grades 7-9 are invited to come together from across the Diocese to pray, play, listen, and talk about God's unconditional love in their lives. Youth who are on staff, usually high schoolers, give talks on different aspects of their life with God and with each other.
New Beginnings starts on Friday evening at 7 PM (after supper) and ends on Sunday with a Closing Eucharist around 12:30 PM. Friends and Family are encouraged to attend the Eucharist to support their youth and hear about the weekend firsthand!
Waverly Brown, from Christ Church, Frederica, is the Lead Teen for New Beginnings #55, and will lead the staff retreat this coming weekend. The Rev. Katie Knoll-Lenon, also from Christ Church, and the Rev. Yvette Owens, Deacon at Christ the King, Valdosta, will serve as the Spiritual Directors for New Beginnings #55. Allen Lamb and Karen Bell are the New Beginnings Coordinators. Please keep all the staff in your prayers as they prepare for an amazing weekend next month!
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Around the Diocese
Diocese of Georgia congregants were among the pilgrims at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice last Saturday--a stop held
in conjunction with the Jonathan Daniels Pilgrimage to Hayneville AL where Daniels was murdered Aug 14, 1965 for helping with voter registration of African Americans.
Evelyn Reierson
of St George's Savannah,
Beryl Brooks
of
All Saints' Tybee
, Yvonne Holmes of St Benedict the Moor were with Dan and the Rev. Jamie Maury.
The Ministry Fair at St. Augustine's featured a welcome video with the Presiding Bishop Michael Curry.
Clergy from the Diocese of Georgia gather with Bishop Scott Benhase for a photo following the Rev. Samantha McKean's ordination to the sacred order of priests (above). McKean officiated at the Eucharist at Christ Church the next day, below.
Bishop Benhase and Carla Jennings, second from left, were the guest speakers at Strides Against Cancer last night at the Ghost Coast Distillery. Shown with them are Kelly Benhase and Dale Julino of WJCL Savannah.
Kick-off Barbecue at Georgia Southern University's Campus Ministry.
Members of the Augusta Convocation met this week at St. Augustine's of Canterbury, led by the Very Rev. Billy Alford.
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Know Your Delegate Count for 198th Convention
From the Standing Committee
Regarding Delegates to the Diocesan Convention
and Election of the XI Bishop of the Diocese of Georgia:
T
his is a reminder that the new Article III, Sec. 2 of the Canons of the Diocese of Georgia will be in effect at the upcoming Convention and Bishop Election of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia on November 14-16, 2019. This Article states that the calculation of each congregation's READ MORE
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Diocesan Office Update and News
T
he Rt. Rev. Scott Anson Benhase,
10th Bishop of the Diocese of Georgia, will make his annual visitation to Good Shepherd Swainsboro at 10 AM, Sunday, August 25th. The Bishop's full schedule can be found
here.
The Rev. Frank Logue, Canon to the Ordinary, will be in Grovetown tomorrow meeting with the Rev. Thomas Barron, the Rev. David Perkins, and the core group for our church plant there. He will serve this Sunday at St. Luke's Hawkinsville.
The Rev. Joshua Varner, will be at the Acolyte Festival this weekend at Good Shepherd Augusta.
The Very Rev. Dr. William Willoughby III will officiate at the Thursday, noon service at Saint Anna Alexander Chapel, Diocesan House.
Diocesan House closes at noon on Fridays in the summer through Labor Day.
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Daughters of the King (DOK) Assembly Set for September
The DOK Fall Assembly, a gathering of celebration and prayer, will be held Sept 20-21, 2019 at Honey Creek. The Diocesan Chaplain, the Rev. Amy Bradley, will be the guest speaker.
The Assembly is open to all daughters, with organizers hoping that as many chapters in the Diocese of Georgia can be represented. For an agenda, go
here.
To register, download this
form
.
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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.
August 18-24
In our diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for our congregations in Savannah, especially Christ Church, the Mother Church of Georgia. We also pray for our ecumenical partners in Savannah, especially the Catholic Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and Ascension Lutheran Church. In our companion diocese of the Dominican Republic, we pray for
San Bartolomé (St. Barthlomew) in San Cristobal.
August 25-31
In our diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for our congregations in Savannah, especially St. Francis of the Islands and St. John's. We also pray for our ecumenical partners, especially the Lutheran congregations of Redeemer and St. Luke's. In our companion diocese of the Dominican Republic, we pray for the congregations in San Francisco de Macorís, especially
El Buen Samaritano (the Good Samaritan),
Jesús Nazareno (Jesus the Nazarene), and
La Natividad (The Nativity).
Additional Prayer Cycles
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Happy Anniversary!
The congregation of St. Michael and All Angels Savannah celebrated Clara and Pat Evans and their 71 years of marriage at Eucharist this week.
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Events
Acolyte Festival
Saturday, August 24 (morning) to Sunday, Augusta 25 (after worship)
Church of the Good Shepherd, Augusta
Grades three to 12
Register here:
http://bit.ly/AcFest2019
New Beginnings #55
September 6-8
Honey Creek Retreat Center
Register by going
here
.
Diocesan Council
September 13-14
St. Peter's, Savannah
The DOK Fall Assembly
Honey Creek Retreat Center
For an agenda, go
here.
To register, download this
form
.
#126
October 17-20
Honey Creek
Go
here for more information.
Walkabout with Candidates for the XI Bishop
6 PM Tuesday, October 22: Good Shepherd, Augusta
6 PM Wednesday, October 23: St. Thomas, Isle of Hope (with live Spanish interpretation)
11 AM Thursday, October 24: Christ Church, Frederica
6 PM Thursday, October 24: Christ Church, Valdosta
6 PM Friday, October 25: Calvary, Americus
198th Convention of the Diocese of Georgia
November 14-16
Georgia Southern University
Diocesan Convention Youth Presence (for grades 6 to 12)
November 15 (all day) through November 16
Hosted by Trinity Church, Statesboro
Winter Youth Retreat
January 10-12, 2020
Honey Creek
For students in grades 6 to 12
Happening #103
Thursday, February 20 (for staff, participants arrive Friday) to Sunday, February 23, 2020
Honey Creek
For students in grades 10 to 12
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