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February 13, 2019
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Volume 9, No. 25
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Please Take a Survey from the
XI Bishop Search Committee!
The Search Committee has designed a survey for the XI Bishop Search that includes the questions that will be asked at the Diocesan Listening Sessions--which begin next week! See the times, dates and locations of the sessions in the Events section below.
Whether or not you attend a Listening Session, please take the time to complete this brief survey. Go
here to get started.
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This Sunday's Lections
6th Sunday After Epiphany
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Jeremiah 17:5-10
I Corinthians 15:12-20
Luke 6:17-26
Psalm 1
Go
here for the full text.
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Clergy Spouse Retreat Agenda Set
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Members of the Planning Committee gather at the home of the Rev. Helen White. From left: David Ronn, Ms. White, Jay Whitmore Lacy and Allison Clarkson.
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Get ready for a retreat unlike any other, VIP style! Come and enjoy a weekend getaway at our beloved Honey Creek with fellow Clergy Spouses. This year, there are lots of activities planned. Our Chaplain, Helen White has created a wonderful program for us to discuss and meditate on the works of Brene Brown and her book, "Daring Greatly." Reading it is optional!
Be sure to bring your creativity and paint brushes as we welcome spring time with a Flower Pot Party! Terra cotta pots will be provided as well as painting supply needs. Along with some free time and worship, a special night out for a delicious dinner and live music at The Wharf Restaurant will be held on Saturday evening with transportation provided by a VIP Charter bus. Glitter yourself up as we take on Jekyll Island! Mark your calendars for March 29
th-31
st, 2019! Take a look at the full schedule
here.
Members of the Planning Committee include the Rev. Geri Nelson, Deacon; Victoria Logue, Elizabeth Varner, Leslie Parker, David Ronn, Helen White, Jay Whitmore Lacy and Allison Clarkson
If you have never attended a Clergy Spouse Retreat, this is one you will not want to miss! If you are in need of financial assistance, please contact Bishop Benhase at
[email protected]. We never want the cost of our retreat to be an issue for spouse to not be able to attend.
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The Honey Creek Commission determined that, due to low enrollment, CreekFEST is cancelled this year.
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The Bishop Knocks on the Door
Holy Comforter, Martinez
 Started as a mission of the Diocese of Georgia on Christmas Eve, 1999, for the first ten years of its existence Holy Comforter was a "set-up" church. Volunteers of all ages worked each Sunday to transform the Savannah Rapids Pavilion in Columbia County into a place of worship. Special services were often held in the living room of the founding pastor, the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Taylor, with the occasional "liturgical" assistance from her cats and dogs.
In December, 2008 the congregation moved into its first building on Furys Ferry Road in Martinez. Called the Parish Hall, it provides a place of worship, educational space and church offices. "Our Master Plan calls for a building that will be a sanctuary with designated administrative offices," said Taylor.
 A signature ministry of the parish is its mentoring program for at-risk students at Lakeside Middle School. Now in its eighth year the program has expanded to include volunteers outside the parish.
Holy Comforter is also well known in the community for Holy Comforter Boy Scout Troop 10. "It's become the largest scout troop in the area with two dozen Eagle Scouts in ten years.
"But what we are probably best known for is our relationship with animals," said Taylor. The parish holds its annual Blessing of the Animals service indoors and in conjunction with a Pet Fair. "Next to the Bishop's Visitation, Christmas and Easter, it's our most highly attended service," she said. The congregation also gives a St. Francis Award yearly to the person or group that best exemplifies the ministry of St. Francis.
Holy Comforter began with a group of 30 people--now 300+ call this church home!
From Sunday's Visitation by Bishop Scott Anson Benhase: first row from left:
Sandra Howell (presenter) , Michelle Lundy (confirmand), McKenzie Morgan (confirmand), Brittany Kezer (confirmand), Natalie Belair (confirmand), Marsha and Cam Varner (presenters) Jo Anne Rayfield (renewal of monastic vows), Carolyn and Oliver Owens (confirmands)
Second row from left:
the Rev. Cindy Taylor (Rector), Treyvon Johnson (confirmand), Larry and Pam Jesion (presenters), Kejon Perry (acolyte), Darlene Bourque (youth minister and presenter), Ashley Bourque (acolyte), Griff Kelly (received), Court Hooper (LEM), Brandon Belair (acolyte), Fred Hoogland, (presenter), Brooke Belair (presenter), Bill Leibel (received), Sara Liebel (presenter) Linda Bargeron (presenter), Mary Kelly (received),Linda Hoogland (presenter), The Bishop.
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Presiding Bishop Names Episcopal Relief Sunday
 The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church, invites all Episcopalians to join together in observance of Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday on March 10, 2019.
"As we follow in the footsteps of Jesus this Lent, we know that living out God's love for the world is our ultimate goal," said Presiding Bishop Curry. "I invite all congregations to devote a Sunday in Lent to reflect on the life-giving work of Episcopal Relief & Development and to demonstrate God's love by giving meaningfully to this vital ministry."
At the 2009 General Convention, Lent was officially designated as a time for dioceses, congregations, and individuals to remember and support the life-saving work of Episcopal Relief & Development. Although the first Sunday in Lent is the official day of observance, churches may hold a special service on any Sunday. For additional information and to download a planning guide, visit
www.episcopalrelief.org/Sunday.
This year, Episcopal Relief & Development celebrates 15 years of Lenten Meditations with inspiring selections from previous years. These booklets and other resources including hope chests, pew envelopes, bulletin inserts and special prayers are available at
www.episcopalrelief.org/Lent. Supporters are encouraged to sign up for daily email meditations in English and Spanish.
To have printed copies of the Lenten Meditations in English or Spanish by Ash Wednesday, March 6, Forward Movement must receive orders by Tuesday, February 19. Orders may be placed by visiting
www.forwardmovement.org or calling 1.800.543.1813.
"There is no greater support for the work of Episcopal Relief & Development than when faithful people remember our partners, program participants and staff in their prayers," said Rob Radtke, President & CEO, Episcopal Relief & Development. "We are thankful for all the congregations and individuals who choose to join us in observing Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday this March 10."
About Episcopal Relief & Development:
For over 75 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has been working together with supporters and partners for lasting change around the world. Each year the organization facilitates healthier, more fulfilling lives for more than 3 million people struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease. Inspired by Jesus' words in Matthew 25, Episcopal Relief & Development leverages the expertise and resources of Anglican and other partners to deliver measurable and sustainable change in three signature program areas: Women, Children and Climate.
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Bible Study with the Bishop
Journeys through Romans
The final Good Book Study with Bishop Scott Anson Benhase will be held Wednesday, February 20, 10:30 to 11:30 AM at St. Peter's, Savannah. It will also stream live on Facebook. Following the session, the Bishop will preside at the chapel service at St. Peter's.
Watch recorded versions of the sessions (there are now six) on Facebook and on YouTube here.
For more information on the series, go
here
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From the Canon for Administration
Reminder: Pension Plans Shifted to Online Payments
 If this column looks familiar it's because we are re-running it as a number of people did not realize that the Church Pension Group has shifted to an online payment system. Please follow the directions below:
Many congregation should have received communications from CPG and Fidelity on the new remittance forms. The current paper-based system for submitting remittances to the Lay DC and RSVP plans has been replaced with a new, quick and efficient online system. Effective January 1, 2019, the paper-based system is no longer available.
The new system is called Fidelity's Simplified Contribution Platform (SCP). SCP enables you to set up, fund, and submit contributions to our defined-contribution plans quickly and efficiently.
If you haven't made the switch, please do so now. For immediate questions, please call Fidelity's SCP Hotline at (800) 868-1023
Step 1 - Provide Your Email
Once you do so you will receive a series of three email communications from Fidelity (or the "Simplified Contribution Platform" from
[email protected]).
1. Within one month: you'll receive a "heads up" email to notify you of the new platform.
2. The next week: a welcome email including a video tutorial and detailed user guide.
3. The following week: an email with username and password and a link to log in and create an online account.
When you receive your user name and password from Fidelity it is important to set up your account and complete the registration process as soon as possible so you can continue to submit contributions in a timely manner.
Step 2 - Create Your Account
Once you receive the set-up email from Fidelity, including your temporary password and username, and click the Login link, you will be prompted to set up a new permanent password.
Can't find the email with your temporary login and password? Please follow these steps:
1. Go to the Fidelity SCP Login page
2. Click Forgot Your Password?
3. Enter your Username (Note: Your username is typically your email address in lowercase letters)
4. Click Send Email to request a link to reset your password
Important note! Make sure all the plans your institution is enrolled in are connected to your SCP account. For example: any group which adopted the Lay DC plan prior to 2013 will have different plan numbers for employer and employee contributions*. If all of your plans are not appearing when you create your account please call Fidelity for assistance at (800) 868-1023.
Plan Name
Plan Number
Lay DC 401(a) 57163
Lay DC 403(b)
57187
RSVP
57218
Any new users (i.e. your successor if you change roles, or additional administrators at your organization) will need to go back to step 1 and provide their email contact information before they can set up their account.
* If you are unsure of your plan numbers, check your plan adoption confirmation letter, or the Employee Roster. Your plan number is not the same as your unique division code.
Step 3 - Verify Your Banking Info
Before you can create your first contribution request you must add your banking information and it must be validated. Detailed instructions are available in the SCP User Guide. Funding Options include ACH (no fee) or Wire Transfer (your bank may apply a fee*).
* When you first log in to the system you will be prompted to establish a bank account to use for funding your contributions
* Complete all the fields marked with an asterisk and click Preview Account
* After the validation period, your bank account information appears as a funding option in your contribution request
Important note! Allow up to 10 business days for account validation, depending on your bank.
You must also be sure to add banking information for each plan that your organization is enrolled in. You only need to do this once.
* Contact your bank to determine if any fees apply. CPG is not responsible for any fees charged by your bank.
Step 4 - Submit Contribution Request
After your banking information has been validated you are ready to create your first contribution request.
When you log in the system automatically opens to the My Contribution Request page and displays your new or saved requests that are ready for processing.
* The request populates with your prior participant contribution information
* New participants will not pre-populate with a contribution amount
* Eligible participants can be added to the request if applicable
* Confirm participant and funding amounts, and all request details before submitting
Detailed instructions are available in the SCP User Guide.
Important note! SCP is not used for enrollment or termination; it is only for submitting employer and/or employee contributions.
Step 5 - Set Notifications
Don't forget to configure reminders and notifications before you log off!
It is important to continue submitting contributions in a timely manner and reminders can help you do that. SCP offers customized email notification reminders that you can set up on a time frame that you choose. To do so:
1. Click your profile icon in the top right-hand corner
2. Click Configure Reminders
3. Set up notification time frames to align with your payroll cycle
You may now enjoy the benefits of the new platform, including these:
* Paperless processing
* Email notification reminders
* Pre-screening to confirm submissions
* Automated funding
* Transaction history
If you have any questions or concerns, please call me.
Katie Willoughby
Canon for Administration
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Around the Diocese
Preparing to paint at Trinity Statesboro
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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.
February 10-16
In our diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for our congregation in Bainbridge, St. John's. We also pray for our ecumenical partners in Bainbridge, especially St. Joseph Catholic Church. In our companion diocese of the Dominican Republic, we pray for the congregations in Bonao, especially Pentecost (
Pentecostes) and St. Joseph of Arimathea (
San José de Arimatea).
February 17-23
In our diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for our congregation in Baxley, St. Thomas Aquinas and for our ecumenical partners in Baxley at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. In our companion diocese of the Dominican Republic, we pray for the congregations in Bonao, especially St. John the Baptist (
San Juan Bautista), and St. Nicodemus (
San Nicodemo).
Additional Prayer Cycles
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Diocesan Office Update and News
On Sunday, February 17,
Bishop Scott Anson Benhase
will make his annual visitation to Holy Cross, Thomson at 11 AM and St. Mary Magdalene, Lousville, at 4 PM. His full schedule is available here.
The Rev. Canon Frank Logue
is officiating and preaching at the Burial for Toby Whittle, husband of the Rev. Natalie Whittle, Deacon. The funeral will be at Trinity Statesboro on Friday, February 15 at 2 PM. This Sunday, he will preside and preach at Trinity Statesboro.
The Rev. Canon Joshua Varner will preside and preach this Sunday at St. Thomas' Isle of Hope.
The Rev. Canon Frank Logue will serve at the noon, Thursday Eucharist at Diocesan House this week.
The Diocesan Offices will be closed Monday, February 18 in honor of Presidents Day.
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Holy Week Chrism Masses
Holy Week Chrism Masses will be held this year at Christ Church Valdosta, 11 AM Monday, April 15 and
Trinity Statesboro, 11 AM Tuesday, April 16. Above is a scene from last year's Mass held at the Collegiate Church of St. Paul the Apostle.
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Events
Bishop's Bible Study
Wednesday, February 20
10:30 to 11:30 AM
At this final Good Book Club, Bishop Benhase
will also be the officiant and celebrant
at the Eucharist afterwards.
St. Peter's Savannah or online at
February 18
Diocesan Offices Closed
Listening Session for XI Bishop Search, Southwest Convocation
7 pm, Thursday, February 21
All Saints' Thomasville
Listening Session for XI Bishop Search, Diocesan Staff
1 PM Tuesday, February 26
Diocesan House
2018 Parochial Reports Due to Diocese
March 1
Listening Session for XI Bishop Search, Central Convocation
10 AM, Saturday, March 2
Commission on Ministry and Standing Committee Weekend
March 8-9
Diocesan House, Savannah
Listening Session for XI Bishop Search, Southeast Convocation
Listening Session for XI Bishop Search, Augusta Convocation
New Beginnings #54
Honey Creek
Contact the Rev. Canon Joshua Varner for more information:
Listening Session for XI Bishop Search, Youth
Time TBA, Saturday, March 23
Honey Creek Conference Center
Listening Session for XI Bishop Search, Albany Convocation
Listening Session for XI Bishop Search, Clergy
Listening Session for XI Bishop Search, Savannah Convocation
St. Paul's Savannah
Weekend Retreat for Youth Summer Mission Trip
April 5-7
Honey Creek Retreat Center
Holy Week Chrism Mass
Diocese of Georgia Episcopal Church Women Annual Retreat
Daughters of the King Spring Assembly
the Church of Our Savior, Augusta
April 29 at 5:30 pm to May 1 at 1 pm
Dedication of Saint Anna Alexander Chapel
18 E. 34th Street, Savannah
Diocesan Youth Mission Trip
Thursday, August 22 (for staff) through Sunday, August 25
Honey Creek Retreat Center
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