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September 28, 2016
Volume 8, Number 4
In This Issue
 
 




This Sunday's Lections
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Track 1 
Lamentations 1:1-6
Lamentations 3:19-26
or Psalm 137
2 Timothy 1:1-14
Luke 17:5-10
or
Track 2
Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4
Psalm 37:1-10
2 Timothy 1:1-14
Luke 17:5-10
Go   here for the full text.
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The Rev. Kelly Steele talks about her experiences in "being an investigator for Jesus" among millennials in Savannah.

Clergy Conference
Reach young adults where they are
"The resurrected Jesus did not go back to the Temple and say 'All are welcome,'" Bishop Anne Hodges-Copple told the deacons and priests gathered at Honey Creek this week for the Fall Clergy Conference. She added, "Jesus went out to be with people where they were." Using the story of two disciples encountering Jesus on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-32) the Bishop Diocesan Pro-Tem of the Diocese of North Carolina challenged the group to meet young adults where they are. 

In her presentation on Monday, she noted that before Jesus tells his story to the two disciples leaving Jerusalem late on the day of his resurrection, he first asks questions and lets them tell their story. Bishop Hodges-Couple noted that these are key concepts in working with young adults-walking with them, listening to them, Jesus solicits their story without judgment. Then he talks them about scripture, letting them know that their story reminds him of the ancient story of salvation. 

Hodges-Copple served as the Episcopal Chaplain to Duke University. She now uses that experience in leading the Diocese of North Carolina to be the church "beyond our doors." She said, "We need to not just bring people into church, but to also move the church out to the people in our communities." 

On Tuesday, Bishop Hodges-Copple gave examples of how the Diocese of North Carolina has gone about taking the church out to where the people are and then she brought up a panel of priests from the Diocese of Georgia to interview them about the ways we are answering that call here. One example is that the Rev. Kelly Steele and her work in Savannah with Millennials. It takes place in coffee shops, community meetings, or even at Roller Derby practice. In those places, people have an opportunity to share the longings of their hearts.  

Bishop Benhase offered reflections on leadership following up on his sabbatical. This led to a discussion in which clergy expressed a desire to be more vulnerable with one another, sharing the real challenges we face and seeking mutual support. Given this strong desire expressed by the deacons and priests, future clergy conferences will include time for sharing in small groups. This is intended to provide a setting where sharing one another burdens can be embodied by the clergy.

An opportunity to spend time together is an important part of every clergy conference.

Worshiping together is as important as anything else the clergy do when gathered together. Here Deacon Patti Davis of Christ Church Savannah preaches on Tuesday morning.
Tithe Appeals Due by Friday
Any congregation wishing to appeal their tithe to diocesan mission and ministry must make an appeal in writing in advance of Friday's Diocesan Council. According to diocesan canons appeals are due by September 15. Canon Katie Willoughby, however, will receive appeals through 12 noon this Friday, September 30.  Send appeals to kwilloughby@gaepiscopal.org

Since the canonical change approved by diocesan convention in 2011 each congregation tithes to the diocesan mission and ministry with the amount equal to 10% of the average of the previous three years of normal operating income. That plan reduced the amount assessed for three-quarter of the congregations as the previous system had percentages of 10, 12.5, 15, and 17.5 percent depending on the revenue of the congregation. Paying less than the tithe requires approval in advance from Diocesan Council.
Lead Grow Share 
The 195th Convention of the Diocese of Georgia will be held November 9-12 at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Augusta, Georgia. This year's theme is Lead, Grow and Share.

Applications for Exhibitors
The application process for exhibit space has been started! Please follow this link:  
to fill out an application. There are a limited number of spaces and not everyone who applies is guaranteed an exhibit space, so act quickly!

Where to Stay
Accommodations for Convention 195 are filling fast! Though the Partridge Inn is totally booked, we still have some exciting lodging options for Convention participants.

The Episcopal Convent of St. Helena is holding all eight of its guest rooms for people attending Convention 195 with single rooms going for $60 per night. The Convent is located just across the Savannah River from Augusta, not more than 15 minutes from The Church of the Good Shepherd. Anyone who wishes to reserve a room can contact Samantha Stoume at 803-426-1616, Monday through Friday 9 am -5 pm, or register online at http://www.osh.org/guest_form.html. Each registrant must register in advance of Convention.
 
We also still have several rooms available at the Holiday Inn Express, located at 444 Broad Street in the heart of beautiful Downtown Augusta with the special convention rate of $94. Click here to register: http://bit.ly/HolidayInnRegistrationforConvention

Elections

The convention will elect persons to serve on the Board of the Corporation, Church Disciplinary Board, Diocesan Council, General Convention Deputies and Alternates, the Standing Committee, and a Trustee for the University of the South. 

Names and biographies received by this Friday, September 30th will be printed in the October 5 edition of From the Field. Go  here for a full description of the roles and information on how to submit nominations.

Registration
Go   here  to register. For a video featuring Canon for Administration Katie Willoughby on how to register, go  here.

Report Reminder
Annual Reports are due by 5 PM tomorrow, Thursday, September 29th. Examples from last year may be found here:  2015 Convention Book
For more information, contact Rebekah Stewart rstewart@gaepiscopal.org
The Rev. Reginald Gunn (1940-2016)
A Requiem Eucharist will be held Saturday, October 8 at 1 PM for the Rev. Reginald Gunn who died Saturday, September 24th while in hospice care. The liturgy will be at St. James Episcopal Church in Clayton, Georgia. Deacon Jim Purks will preach.
 
The Revs. Reginald Gunn and Jay Weldon during a Eucharist at St. Patrick's Albany held in May to mark Gunn's 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.
Born in Tifton, Georgia in 1940, he graduated from the University of Georgia and Seabury Western Seminary  and was ordained in 1965--the same year he married Mary Lu. Gunn served several parishes and missions in Cochran, Douglas, Albany, Savannah and Americus in the Diocese of Georgia as well as in Baton Rouge, Louisiana before retiring as rector of Calvary Church in Americus, Georgia. He celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood at St. Patrick's Church, Albany earlier this year. 
 
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son Richard S., daughter Heather G. Haskell, son-in-law Glenn Haskell, his brother, Martin S., and Sister-in-law Josephine, and three grandchildren. A remembrance by Bishop Harry Shipps is online here:  http://bit.ly/RemembranceofReginaldGunn
 
A memorial service will also be held at Calvary Church in Americus with the date and time to be announced at a later date.
 
May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
#SMS16
Churches in the Diocese Get Social

St. Matthew's parishioners in the parish hall (left) and a view through the old glass windows separating the narthex and nave at Christ Church Savannah (right).


Lining up for the procession at St. Thomas, Thomasville.

  
St. Paul's, Albany's Sunday evening liturgy in the chapel and Deacon Leeann Culbreath's photo with the Revs. Billy Alford and Frank Logue in the sacristy at Honey Creek.


Holy Cross, Thomson.
Three Weeks to CreekFEST!
The date for the one of a kind diocesan-wide parish retreat, CreekFEST, is quickly approaching!  The Honey Creek Commission is preparing for your arrival! Silent auction items are rolling in and a path is being cleared for the Saturday morning 5K Race. Will the Willoughby family dominate the competition? How accurate can the bishop shoot an arrow? Will the obstacle course relay be the Albany Convocation's best victory ever? Only one way to find out:  Sign up the whole family and join us for a fun-filled weekend at Honey Creek! Go here now!
Around the Diocese
St Thomas' Isle of Hope's Second Annual Holy Crab! Festival drew more than 125 people earlier this month.



All Saints Tybee held  Kids Blast earlier this month which had some fun for everyone! Crafts, face painting, games, Karaoke, pie eating contest and lots more!

Glynn Episcopal Ministries volunteered in local schools earlier this month.


Down to the River to Pray - Paddling Ebenezer Creek
The first in a series of river retreats planned by the Creation Care Commission of the Diocese of Georgia  will be held Saturday, November 5 from 9 AM too noon. Enjoy a peaceful morning of exploration and prayer on this half-day "river retreat" on Ebenezer Creek near Savannah, starting and ending at the Tommy Long Landing in Rincon. Participants will paddle an easy out-and-back route through a natural sanctuary, finishing in around 2.5 hours. The route is suitable for beginners and families with children. Ebenezer Creek is a backwater tributary of the lower Savannah River, home to a wide variety of bird and animal species amid ancient dwarf cypress and tupelo forest.  
   
Volunteer paddlers along the route will lead Scripture readings and prayers at designated prayer stations. A local outfitter will provide kayak and canoe rentals (reserved in advance), or participants can provide their own. An optional outdoor noon Eucharist and sack lunch picnic will complete the event. Participants need to provide their own lunch, snacks, beverages, and sun/bug protection. All youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Please note that bathroom facilities are available at the landing but dry landings are rare along the route, so plan for your group's needs accordingly. Participants will be asked to sign liability waivers upon arrival.

Registration will open next week.

This event is co-sponsored by Georgia Interfaith Power and Light.

The Administrator's Corner
I am currently attending the Episcopal Business Administration Conference 
hosted by Church Pension Group to learn about all the new features and resources 
coming out for benefits. 
 
In support of the recent update for the Health Equity funding change, I want to share a quick one pager on how the funding will occur in the future:
Go here.    You can listen to the webinar here:

The Administrator Corner will be back on regular cycle in two weeks.  
Diocesan Office Update     
Diocesan staff will attend the Diocesan Council meeting Friday, September 30 to October 1 at St. Paul's, Albany.
 
Bishop Benhase
 will make his visitation to St. Paul's, Albany, this Sunday. To view the Bishop's full visitation calendar, go here. 

Canon Logue will preach this Sunday for the first anniversary of the Community of St. Joseph, which is the our ministry with homeless persons in Savannah. 

Canon Willoughby is attending the Episcopal Business Administration Conference with the Church Pension Group in New York City through Thursday.
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. 

Prayers for September 25 to October 1
In our diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for our congregations in Savannah, especially St. Paul the Apostle and St. Bartholomew's Chapel. We also pray for our ecumenical partners in Savannah, especially the Catholic congregations of St. Frances Cabrini and Saints Peter and Paul as well as St. Paul's Lutheran Church. In our companion diocese of the Dominican Republic, we pray for San Matías (St. Matthias) in Santana.

Prayers for October 2 to 8
In our diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for our congregation in Swainsboro, Good Shepherd. We also pray for our ecumenical partners in Swainsboro, especially Holy Trinity Catholic Church. In our companion diocese of the Dominican Republic, we pray for the congregations in Santiago, especially Cristo Salvador (Christ the Savior), Emmanuel.

Remembering First Responders

The Oak Street Episcopal Mission's After School Program went to Thomas County Central High school and climbed the stadium steps in remembrance of the first responders that died trying to help others during the 9/11 attack. Here the group poses for a photo with a firefighter and an antique fire truck.
Upcoming Events

Diocesan Council Meeting: September 30-October 1
St. Paul's, Albany

Disaster Preparedness Plan Due October 1
Email to Fr. Charles Todd at frcharles@stpaulsavannah.org
 
Cursillo: October 6
For more information, go here.

Commission on Ministry and Standing Committee: October 14-15
Trinity, Statesboro

CreekFEST: October 21-22
For more information, go here.
 
Integrity: October 28-29
For more information, go here.

New Beginnings #48 Staff Lock-in: October 28-29
St. Anne's, Tifton
Staff application can be found here.

Down to the River to Pray: November 5, 9 AM to noon
Go here to register.

195th Convention of the Diocese of Georgia: November 9-12
For more information, go here. 
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Sincerely,                                       
            
Diocesan Staff                             
Episcopal Diocese of Georgia