April 15, 2026| Volume 16, No. 15 | |
Scholarship Fund established in memory of
Dr. Ann Stoddard
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The congregation of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Woodbine has established a youth scholarship fund to honor the memory of Dr. Ann Harris Stoddard. This fund will provide partial scholarships for youth in the Diocese of Georgia needing financial assistance to attend summer camp at Honey Creek. (Honey Creek is the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia’s Retreat Center, Event Center, and Summer Camp located in Waverly, GA at US I-95, Exit 26). These scholarships are handled as part of the camp application process.
Dr. Ann Harris Stoddard, of St. Marys, GA., died on January 11, 2025 at the age of 96. She was educated locally at Camden County Training School and received a Bachelor of Arts from Spelman College, a Master of Arts from Atlanta University, and a doctorate from the University of Georgia. Following in her grandmother’s (Matilda Harris) footsteps, she taught both elementary and high school in Camden County. She was a consultant at Edward Waters College, and a professor at both Virginia Tech and University of North Florida. She was a founding member of the school board for King of Peace Episcopal Day School in Kingsland.
In making their decision, the congregation of St. Marks concluded that this fund would be a “living tribute” to the memory of Dr. Stoddard and her devotion to our youth over her many years in the education field.
Contribution to the scholarship fund may be made to” St. Marks Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 626, Woodbine, GA. 31569 (with “Dr Stoddard Memorial Fund” in the memo line.
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William R. Bruce (1925-2026)
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The people of the Diocese of Georgia mourn the death of Bill Bruce, an active lay leader in the Diocese. He is pictured here with his wife, Rita, and then Southeast Convocation Dean, the Rev. Ted Clarkson when he received the Deans' Award for commendable service to his congregation of King of Peace, Kingsland. He also served the Diocese as a Sewanee Trustee. To this notable service, he added fifteen years of dedicated service as the President of the Church Disciplinary Board for the Diocese.
"The President of the Disciplinary Board is a critically important one," Bishop Logue said. "The Canons have that lay leader closely advising the Bishop any time a member of the clergy is accused of serious violations of the trust put in them in ordination. Bill's gentle spirit, considerable wisdom born of experience, and his abiding trust in the Jesus and love for the church guided his counsel. He and Rita were both vital parts of King of Peace when I was its founding rector and he became even more essential to my call when I served as Canon to the Ordinary and then Bishop."
Born in Portsmouth, Virginia he earned his B.A. and LL.B. degrees from the University of Virginia, and practiced law in both Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee, for some 50 years. Bruce was elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives in 1966 and to the Tennessee Senate in 1968, where he served as both Senate Majority Leader and as chair of the Senate Calendar and Rules Committee. After retiring to St. Mary's Bruce became an active parishioner at King of Peace, holding every lay role in the congregation and became involved in taking the church out into the community. For twenty years, he played the piano for sing-alongs at Magnolia Manor-St. Marys. This ultimately was expanded to playing with others weekly or monthly playing at several facilities for the elderly in St. Marys, Kingsland, and St. Simons Island. He was also active in Cursillo in the Diocese.
His funeral will be 4 p.m. Saturday, April 18, 2026, at King of Peace Episcopal Church.
| | The Rev. Canon Sr. Rosina Rhoda Araba Ampah, OSH (1941-2026) | | |
The people of the Diocese of Georgia mourn the death of Sister Rosina Ampah. "The Light of Christ shined brightly from the deep well of Sister Rosina's soul that was formed by a life of prayer and service," Bishop Logue said. "Rosina is part of how the Diocese of Georgia has been blessed beyond measure with the fruit of Bishop Albert Rhett Stuart inviting the Order of St. Helena estabishing a convent in Augusta."
Born in Tarkwa, Ghana in West Africa, Sr. Rosina arrived in the United States in December 1978. She was received into The Order of Saint Helena on January 1, 1979 and made her life profession on July 16, 1983. She was ordained as an Episcopal priest on December 11, 1993, the first Ghanaian woman to be ordained to the priesthood in the Anglican church.
Sr. Rosina’s ministry spanned across continents and included storytelling; teaching; preaching; and serving as a priest and chaplain to churches, retreatants, and seminarians in Ghana and the United States, and for various groups across the Anglican church, including the 1998 Lambeth Conference. Trained as a Clinical Pastoral Education supervisor, she founded the Ghana Indigenous Clinical Pastoral Education program, training chaplains to serve across Ghana and other African countries. Sr. Rosina was a spiritual mother to many across the world.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Eric, and is survived by many family members, OSH sisters, and others world-wide who loved and revered her.
A memorial service will be held at The Order of Saint Helena, 414 Savannah Barony Drive, North Augusta SC on Friday, April 24th at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Sr. Rosina requested that donations in her memory be made to OSH: https://www.osh.org/donate.
| | The Very Rev. Denise Vaughn to retire | | |
After ten years of ministry at Annunciation in Vidalia, the Very Rev. Denise Vaughn is set to retire. In her letter to the parish, Denise wrote, "You have taught me more than I could have imagined about faith, perseverance, and community, and though my role among you will change, our bonds of friendship will not change."
She was ordained a deacon in 1997 by Bishop Rogers Harris in the Diocese of Southwest Florida. After years of serving in that order of ministry, Denise felt a call to the priesthood that her Diocese affirmed. She attended the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest where she received her Master of Divinity degree in 2008. She was ordained to the priesthood on February 22, 2009. Prior to coming to Annunciation, she served for two years as an Associate Rector at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Austin Texas, and five years as the Rector of Grace Episcopal Church Chillicothe, Missouri. Vaughn was named Dean of the Central Convocation in 2019, and has faithfully served the area in that important role.
Bishop Logue said of Denise's tenure, "Denise has been such a great gift to the Diocese of Georgia. As a part of the Cursillo community, in her work as convocation dean, and in her gracious hospitality for the many meetings that have benefitted from Vidalia's central location, her love for all grounded in her deep faith in Jesus is always evident."
| | Cursillo in Georgia needs you! | | |
Are you a past participant or team member in the Diocese of Georgia?
Cursillo in Georgia is working on collecting information from past participants and team members who have attended a Cursillo weekend in the Diocese of Georgia. This information will assist in forming a more comprehensive history of Cursillo in Georgia, as well as in forming reunion groups and staying connected. If you have been to a Cursillo weekend in the Diocese of Georgia, please fill out this form by clicking the link here: Cursillo Information Form.
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An update from the Dominican Republic
after major storms affect the country
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Storms and relentless rainfall, overflowing rivers, clogged sewer systems, hail storms and wind have struck much of the central and northern parts of the Dominican Republic, disrupting whole communities and commerce and prompting the government to declare a state of emergency in the capital region and order workers to telecommute and work from home.
This is of particular concern for Episcopalians in Georgia because of our Companion Diocese relationship with the church in Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic’s Bishop Moises Quezada has pointed to extensive damage in the Puerto Plata region where the deluge has isolated coastal communities.
At his request the Dominican Development Group has dispatched an emergency grant of $15,000 to help finance Bishop Moises’ response. The DDG helps manage the Companion Diocese relationship and coordinates mission efforts throughout the country.
He asks that we raise a prayer for those affected and that we remain vigilant and offer support for the residents of the impacted region and for Episcopal churches and schools affected by the storms.
Videos from Montellanobishops chari:
https://youtu.be/wiKmWLYu2mQ?si=lTvTywo9h6Jbt6ZD
| | Register for Summer Camp at Honey Creek today! | | Three ordinations to the Sacred Order of Deacons this Saturday | | The Episcopal Center is at the corner of Washington Avenue and Waters Avenue in Savannah. While the mailing address for the Diocese of Georgia is on Waters, it works well for a GPS to use the address for the former church rectory at 721 Washington Avenue, Savannah, GA 31404. Free parking is available along both sides of Washington Avenue. | | Youth Compline Zoom, Wednesdays at 9:00pm | | |
Youth Compline Zoom, Wednesdays at 9:00pm
Youth in grades 6-12 are invited to join other youth across the diocese for a weekly Compline service over Zoom. Held each Wednesday evening, beginning on Wednesday, December 3, youth will be able to gather together to pray the service of Compline. Scan the QR code or click the link below for the Zoom link.
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TIDE Fair (Talent in Design & Expression)
Saturday, April 18, 2026, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church
2 St. Thomas Ave
Isle of Hope, Savannah, GA 31406
TIDE (Talent in Design & Expression) is a community-centered art and music fair designed as a relaxed and welcoming day where neighbors and visitors can come together to experience local creativity. The fair will feature over 50 local artists and makers, live music throughout the day, hands-on creative activities for all ages, and thoughtfully curated food and drink. With both indoor and outdoor spaces across the campus, TIDE invites people to move through the day at their own pace, whether staying awhile or simply stopping by.
The goal is to support the local creative community in a meaningful way, especially artists who value sharing their work through conversation, demonstration, and interaction.
What to Expect:
• 50+ artists and makers
• Live music all day
• Ice cream, açaí bowls, wings, wraps, and more
• Face painting and DIY slime
• Permanent jewelry
• Live embroidery and custom pieces
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Hope Haven's Volunteer Training
Friday, April 24, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cranmer Hall, 27 West Charlton Street, Savannah, Georgia, 31401
Free parking available in St. John's Church parking lot.
Want to make a difference in the lives of people living with dementia? Attend Hope Haven's volunteer training on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The training will feature dementia expert Robin Dill. Attendance does not commit participants to volunteer.
For general information about Hope Haven or to register for the volunteer training, visit savannahrespite.com or call 912-231-7310.
| | St. Patricks’ in Albany is looking to hire a part-time (average ~7-10 hours/week) Choirmaster/Director of Music and Organist to develop and lead worship music in consultation with the Rector and other team members, in a manner that is consistent with the mission, values, and theology of the congregation. Duties include playing the organ/piano in order to accompany the congregation/choir during all services and rehearsals; leading and directing effective and productive rehearsals of choirs, musicians, and visiting artists; participate in the creative planning of the Sunday and special services with the Rector and other team members; equip, motivate, supervise and shepherd singers and musicians; be responsible for the care, maintenance and growth of the churches’ music collections; and participate in the life and ministry of the church. If you are interested or know of someone who would be a good fit for St. Patricks’, contact the parish office at office@stpatricksalbany.org. | | Eastertide Across the Diocese | | The Rev. Most Reverend Sean Rowe celebrated and preached on the Second Sunday of Easter at Christ Church Frederica. The Presiding Bishop officiated a wedding at the church on Saturday and accepted the Rector's invitation to stay and serve on Sunday. | | The Rev. Susan Gage, Rector of St. Barnabas in Valdosta, delivered the invocation at Air Force Major Brittany Peters-Wagenius’ assumption of command for the 940th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. | | The Rev. Canon Joshua Varner baptizes Haydon at St. Matthew's in Fitzgerald. | | In the photo at left, the Rev. Susan Hill is pictured with Carolyn Blackshear on her 80th birthday. The congregation honored her for her service to the community through the Tybee MLK Human Rights Organization. In the photo at right, Bishop Logue is with Bonita who reaffirmed her faith during his visit to Christ the King in Valdosta. | | The Rev. Gavin Dunbar offers the children's homily at St. John's in Savannah. | | We want to hear from you! | | If you would like to have your submission considered for From the Field, it needs to be sent to Communications Manager Liz Williams (lwilliams@gaepiscopal.org) by noon on Tuesday. | | Prayer 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 2026 one-year prayer cycle is online here: 2026 Prayer Cycle.
April 19 - 25 In our diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for our congregation in Fitzgerald, St. Matthew’s, and for our ecumenical partners in Fitzgerald, especially St. William’s Catholic Church. In our companion diocese of the Dominican Republic, we pray for the congregations in Haina, especially St. John the Evangelist (San Juan Evangelista) and St. Mark (San Marcos).
April 26 - May 2 In our diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for our Grovetown Episcopal-Lutheran Mission, and our ecumenical partners in the Catholic churches in Cuthbert and Donalsonville—St. Luke's and the Church of the Incarnation. In our companion diocese of the Dominican Republic, we pray for Christ the Liberator (Cristo Libertador) in Hato Mayor.
31-Day Prayer Cycles - Revised March 31, 2026
Our monthly prayer cycle and clergy spouse prayer cycle are now out in a revised edition: Diocesan Prayer Cycle and Clergy Spouses Prayer Cycle.
| | Diocesan Office Update and News | | |
Bishop Logue will make his visitation to St. Athanasius in Brunswick on Sunday. He will be at the closing of Cursillo #132 at Honey Creek in the afternoon.
To view Bishop Logue's full visitation calendar, click here. Updated 12/5/2025
Pictured: Bishop Logue with the servers ready to process into Christ the King during his visitation on Sunday.
Communications Manager Liz Williams is in San Diego this week for the annual Episcopal Communicators Conference.
Canon Lasch will be celebrating and preaching at Annunciation in Vidalia on Sunday.
Canon Varner will be celebrating and preaching at St. Andrew's in Douglas on Sunday.
Staff Meetings are held on Wednesday mornings from 10:00 am to noon and during this time staff will not be able to answer the Diocesan office phone. For emergencies during that time, contact Canon Lasch.
Staff e-mails and who to contact for what can be found here.
You may also reach diocesan staff by phone at (912) 236-4279.
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| Generations of faithfulness | | The Venerable Yvette Owens (at right) served with three granddaughters at Christ the King in Valdosta on Sunday for Bishop Logue's visitation. The bishop surprised the archdeacon by asking one of her granddaughters if she would like to wear his mitre for the photo, so when she turned to line up for this photo, the bishop's hat was already in place. | | | | |
