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March 1, 2017
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Volume 7, Number 26
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The Rev. Ellen Richardson Publishes 'Holy Dying'
 Preparing for a Holy Death makes for a more joy-filled life. The Rev. Ellen Richardson
, MD hopes to help readers make that shift by offering stories from her work in hospice and palliative care. The Assistant Rector at St. Anne's Tifton pulls from the rich resources of the church's Scripture and tradition to create a safe space for exploring questions we carry about dying. Richardson is a physician who practiced Family Medicine in small towns for 14 years, was ordained an Episcopal priest in 2008, and served bi-vocationally in congregations of varying sizes in Georgia and Virginia until her retirement from medicine. Since June 2014, she has served as a full time parish priest in the Diocese of Georgia. A graduate of Episcopal Divinity School, she and her husband Mark have two adult sons. More information is available at the
Church Publishing website.
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This Sunday's Lections
Last Sunday After
Epiphany
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Campaign Concludes
 Thank you to all who have contributed to the Campaign for Congregational Development. Bishop Benhase committed to end the Campaign on Shrove Tuesday this year with the goal of raising $3 million dollars to continue to strengthen leaders, grow the capacity of our congregations and share the love and grace of Jesus with others.
A report on the funds raised will be published in the coming weeks.
It is still possible to make a donation. Go online,
go here; text to give EDOG at 73256 or by mailing your donation to the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia, 611 E. Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31404.
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A Collect for Ash Wednesday
Almighty and everlasting God,
you hate nothing you have
made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent:
Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness,
may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission
and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever
and ever.
Amen.
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Parochial Reports
Time to File Your Congregation's Parochial Report
 This reminder is for priests and wardens that your annual Parochial Report is due now. The Episcopal Church sent your congregation the 2016 Parochial Report forms. With your register of services, the parish register, and the year-end financial reports you have the information you need to complete the report in about an hour. The document is then to be approved by the vestry and filed online. A third of the congregations have completed these reports and filed online, while another 11 are partially complete. All of the forms and instructions are found online here: 2016 Parochial Reports
View All Reports Since 1998
Any congregation wishing to view past Parochial Reports can log in to
pr.dfms.org using the UEID and Pin as provided for filing a Parochial Report. Then click on the "View/Print Parochial Report" tab. A drop down menu gives access to every report filed since this online system went into operation. To see some of the data across the Diocese, we have a compilation of Average Sunday Attendance for every congregation from 2009-2015 (
2009-2015-parochialreports.pdf) and a comparison on several data points from 2014-2015 (
2014-2015-parochialreports.pdf).
If you have any questions, including needing your congregation's UEID or Pin number, do not hesitate to be in touch with Canon Logue at (912) 236-4279 or email him at
[email protected]
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The Administrator's Corner
Project Resource--Giving Thanks
As the Campaign for Congregational Development comes to a close, it is an important time to remember the vital need to give thanks.
So before I delve into some tips and tricks from Project Resource training, thank you! Thank you to the entire Diocese and everyone who donated their time, talents, and financial support to the Campaign. We are so blessed to share in the life work and ministry of Jesus Christ with you all. There will be more information on what's next in the coming weeks. Now for some insight from the Project Resource training for your own campaigns:
Recommendations on Campaign Follow-up and Thank Yous
As with all development work, a campaign is supported by a framework or list of tasks to complete. Project Resource provides that framework for congregations to consider for managing annual and/or capital campaigns. While it may seem obvious to many, a key step of the framework includes acknowledgement and thanksgiving for the gift and participation of individuals supporting your effort.
 There are many ways to respond to a donation. The following are some potential ideas to consider when determining how to give thanks to your contributors. They can be applied to a gift for a capital campaign or annual stewardship plan:
1. Speed: Identify a method to respond quickly to acknowledge a gift. This can occur through an automated message from an online donation form, an email message, or mailed letter. However, it is important to quickly acknowledge the gift.
2. Purpose: Identify ways to communicate the impact of the gift. While the first acknowledgement of the gift should be quick, follow-up with communications about how the money being raised will impact the congregation or community.
3. Personal: A quick email response does not replace the importance of a personal thank you letter or note. If you have the time and resources, consider a hand-written letter on how their gift supports the mission and ministry of the campaign.
4. Feedback: Provide an opportunity for the contributors to ask questions. You can have a website with more information, a designated point of contact, video updates, or a survey online to gather feedback for future work.
5. Celebration: If possible, consider a close out gathering to celebrate and recognize your volunteers, contributors, and parish. This fellowship-driven event can be a fun way to give thanks for all the hard work put in by many people.
6. What's Next: Consider a "what's next" report highlighting the financials, next steps, and goals of the effort.
7. Repetition: Remember, you can never say thank you too many times.
Looking for examples of thank you letters? Please visit here.
Thank you!
Katie Willoughby
Canon for Administration
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Diocesan Office Update and News
This Sunday,
Bishop Benhase will make his visitation to St. Philip's Hinesville at 9:30 AM and attend the Cursillo closing at Honey Creek at 3 PM. The Bishop's full schedule is available
here.
Canons Logue and
Willoughby will lead the Project Resource Training from 9 AM to noon Saturday, March 4th at St. Anne's Tifton.
The Rev. William Willoughby III, Rector at the Collegiate Church of St. Paul the Apostle in Savannah, will be officiating at the noonday service Thursday in St. George's Chapel at Diocesan House.
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Shrove Tuesday Around the Diocese
Burning palms to make ashes at St. Patrick's, Pooler.
Pancakes in the Parish Hall at Trinity, Statesboro.
The Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper at St. Anne's, Tifton.
Just a little more sausage and pancakes before Ash Wednesday at St. Luke's, Rincon.
A peek behind the scenes as the meal comes together in the kitchen at St. Paul's, Albany.
Christ Church, Savannah held its Mardi Gras Celebration at the Morris Center.
Making the 'cakes and eating them at King of Peace, Kingsland.
Mardi Gras at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Augusta.
A full Parish Hall at St. Luke's, Hawkinsville.
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Bishop's Visitation
Bishop Benhase visited St. Anne's, Tifton, this past Sunday. Pictured above are those who were confirmed, received, or reaffirmed their baptismal vows last Sunday: Matthew Dale, Donna Falcone, Joe Falcone, Rob Fraser, Jamie Patrick, Jessica Patrick, Brian Yost, Joy Yost
and sponsors. They are shown with the Bishop and the Revs. Lonnie Lacy and Ellen Richardson.
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Share your news in From the Field
so we can feature them in upcoming issues of From the Field. Deadline for submissions each week is Monday at 4:30 PM.
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Down to the River to Pray
Celebrate God's Creation this spring on one of three half-day "floating retreats" offered by the Creation Care Commission! The first "Down to the River to Pray" event is on Cathead Creek near Darien on Saturday, March 18, 1-5 p.m. Cost is $35 per person and the paddle will last two to three hours, winding through woods to Buffalo Swamp Natural Area and along irrigation canals by abandoned rice fields. Along the way, we'll stop for spiritual reflection and prayer. Equipment will be provided by a local outfitter who will also guide the trip. Some prior experience with paddling is recommended. An optional Eucharist and potluck supper at St. Cyprian's will follow. Click
here for more information and to register.
Stay tuned for two more Down to the River to Pray events this spring on the Little River (near Valdosta) in April and Ebenezer Creek (near Savannah) in May!
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Evensong at St. Paul's, Augusta
The Choir of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 6th & Reynolds at the Riverwalk, will sing Evensong, the ancient office of vespers, at 5:30 pm on Sunday, March 5, 2017. Evensong is sung daily in all of the Anglican cathedrals around the world. The St. Paul's Choir will sing music composed by Heard Robertson, Harold Friedell, and Paul Leddington Wright. Mark Dickens will be the guest organist and the choir is under the direction of Keith Shafer. A reception in Tyler Hall follows the service and child care will be available. For further information visit www.SaintPauls.org or call 706-724-2485.
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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 26-March 4
In our diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for our congregation in Blakely, Holy Trinity, and for our ecumenical partners in Blakely, especially Holy Family Catholic Church. In our companion diocese of the Dominican Republic, we pray for
San Cornelio (St. Cornelius) in Cabarette.
March 5-11
In our diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for our congregations in Brunswick, Good Shepherd, St. Athanasius', and St. Mark's. We also pray for our ecumenical partners in Brunswick, especially St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and St. James Lutheran Church. In our companion diocese of the Dominican Republic, we pray for San Antonio de Padua (
St. Anthony of Padua) in Carreton.
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Chrism Masses for the Clergy
 On Monday, Bishop Benhase issued an invitation to the priests in the Diocese to attend a Chrism Mass. There are two scheduled, one in the west on Holy Monday at 11 a.m. at St Anne's Tifton with a light lunch to follow in their parish hall and one in the east on Holy Tuesday at St Paul's Savannah, again at 11 a.m. with a light lunch to follow.
"This gathering is more than just a chance to refill our oils and grab lunch," said Bishop Benhase. "It is a time for us to renew our ordination vows together and to reflect deeply on our shared vocations and commitments."
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Episcopal Church Scholarship Applications N
ow Accepted
 Applications are now being accepted for educational scholarships from the Episcopal Church for the 2017-2018 academic year.
The scholarships are derived from annual income of designated trust funds established by generous donors through bequests to the Episcopal Church. The scholarships assist students who are mostly enrolled in theological education and training.
Scholarships are available for educational training for ethnic communities, children of missionaries, bishops and clergy, and other groups covering a wide range of eligibility. Scholarship amounts vary according to the availability of payouts from the funds. The maximum is $10,000.
The lists of trust funds and scholarships as well as key information are
Applicants are strongly encouraged to read each trust and identify in the application those trust funds that best fit their own profile.
Among the requirements for applying for the scholarships are that the applicant must be an Episcopalian and must have the endorsement of his/her bishop.
The application form is available in English here and in Spanish
Online applications are required. Deadline for applications is March 31. Only complete applications will be considered.
Applications are reviewed by a scholarship committee composed of representatives from the Episcopal Church Executive Council, the church-at-large, the treasurer's office and various other ministries of the Episcopal Church.
For information, contact Ann Hercules, Associate for Grants and Scholarships,
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From Our Friends at Kanuga
Join Baxter Kreuger, author of
The Shack, Revisited, will explore the Trinitarian Life, how Jesus included us and what this reality means for us now on earth - in work, play and relationships. The Renewal Conference, June 25-30, brings families and friends together for a week of teaching, worship and healing. For more information and to register, visit
www.kanuga.org/renewal.
We are living, not in an era of change, but a change of era. Learn how to develop an ecosystem of intergenerational relationships and faith experiences at church and home from John Roberto and a team of formation leaders at Kanuga's Christian Formation Conference June 12-16. John Roberto is an author and president of LifelongFaith Associates. For more information and to register, go to
www.kanuga.org/christianformation.
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Light battling darkness
Who knew the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Taylor was so skilled at wielding a light saber? The children's Christian education lessons at Holy Comforter Martinez using a Star Wars theme just ended. The congregation's young Je-Di (JEsus DIsciples) were each given light sabers as a visual reminder to be a light in the world that can sometimes be so full of darkness. Taylor shows the kids a thing or two about how to wield that light!
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Enneagram Workshop Offered by Good Shepherd, Augusta
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Savannah Convocation Lenten Series Launches
Tuesday, March 7: THE MUSIC OF LENT
Mr. Timothy Hall
Christ Church Savannah, Organist & Choirmaster
Tuesday, March 14: THE LITURGIES OF HOLY WEEK
The Very Reverend William Willoughby, III
Dean of Savannah
Rector of The Collegiate Church of St. Paul the Apostle
Tuesday, March 21: SELF EXAMINATION FOR MISSION
The Reverend Kelly Steele,
Missioner for Columba House & the Community of Epiphany
Tuesday, March 28: THE CROSS IN CHRISTIAN ART
The Reverend Gavin Dunbar,
Rector of St. John's Church
Tuesday, April 4: THE PASCHAL WITNESS OF FILM
The Reverend Michael Chaney
Professor of Film & Television, The Savannah College of Art & Design
Associate Priest, The Collegiate Church of St. Paul the Apostle
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Project Resource
Register for March 4 in Tifton and April 8 in Savannah
Created by the College for Bishops, Project Resource gathers the best wisdom in our church on annual stewardship, major gifts, and planned giving campaigns. Canons Katie Willoughby and Frank Logue are bringing this training to the Diocese and there are two more dates this spring. Click on one of the dates below to register for your
stewardship training. There is no cost for this training.
March 4 from 9 am-12 noon
April 8 from 9 am to 12 noon
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Register today for an informative and fun training with diocesan staff. Workshops run concurrently on the same day/date. To register for March 12, go
here; for March 26,
here; April 23, here and May 14,
here.
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Events
Cursillo #122
, March 2-4
Honey Creek
Go
here
for more information.
Project Resource Stewardship Training
, March 4
St. Anne's, Tifton
Go here to register.
Clergy Spouses Retreat, March 10-12
Honey Creek
Go here for more information.
Trainings for Vestries, Administrators and Communicators, March 12
2-5 PM
St. Patrick's Albany
Register here
Church Development Institute (CDI) March 17-18
Honey Creek
Go
here for more information.
Church Development Institute (CDI) Augusta March 17-18
Our Savior, Martinez
Go
here for more information.
Lenten Prayer Retreat, March 24-25
Led by the Rev. Liam Collins, the Rev. Canon Frank Logue and Victoria Logue
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.
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 www.missionalvoices.com.
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 here
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