This is The Scoop, a communication from the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida. Send items to share to Jim DeLa, director of communications.
The Scoop for May 16, 2008:
Conventional wisdom coming soon: The 2008 diocesan convention isn’t until Oct. 17-18, but congregations should already be making plans. The diocese will launch its 2008 convention web page soon with hotel reservation information, a list of planned workshops and a listing of elected positions to be filled at Saturday’s business meeting. The page will be regularly updated throughout the year as plans develop. Watch the web site (www.episcopalswfl.org) for more information.
Praying artfully: “Art as Prayer” is a workshop on Thursday, May 22, from 7-9 p.m. at the Franciscan Center, 3010 N. Perry Ave. in Tampa. Led by Debra McMaster of Good Samaritan Church in Clearwater, the workshop, which requires no artistic skills, looks at art as a way of listening to God and observing God's work in us. The cost is $20. For more information, contact the Franciscan Center at (813) 229-2695, or by e-mail at francntr@tampabay.rr.com.
Shhh: The Daughters of the King of St. Margaret of Scotland's Church in Sarasota will host a "Quiet Day" on Saturday, May 24, beginning with registration/coffee at 9 a.m. The program runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with lunch provided by the Daughters. The Rev. Everett Walk will facilitate the program “Calling Stories of the Bible.” RSVPs are required. Call the church at (941) 925-2525 or Penelope Walsh at (941) 377-6103. St. Margaret of Scotland Episcopal Church is at 8700 State Road 72 (Clark Road) in Sarasota, east of the Interstate. Remember to bring your Bible.
Camp staffers still needed: Camp Able, the summer camp experience for persons with disabilities, is still seeking help with this year’s event. The camp, scheduled for July 27-31 at DaySpring Conference Center near Ellenton, is short on high-school-aged staff.
All churches in the diocese were sent applications and a promotional video. If you are interested, please contact your youth and let them know about this special servant ministry opportunity. The camp is sponsored by the diocese and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Marco Island. For more information, visit www.campable.org.
Mark your calendars:
Seeking young adults: “Running with Purpose,” a Vocare retreat designed to help young adults discern God’s calling to service in their daily lives, is scheduled June 6-8 at DaySpring Conference Center near Ellenton. The retreat consists of small group discussions, talks from young adult team members, worship, fun, praise time and prayer.
If you know any young adults between the ages of 19 and 35 and have been out of high school for at least one year who would benefit from this experience, please encourage them to check it out online at www.myspace.com/vocarefl or e-mail Brad at vocareswfla@yahoo.com.
Clergy Day: Clergy of the diocese are urged to attend a discussion of the issues within the church on Tuesday, June 10, beginning at 9 a.m. at St Mark's Episcopal Church, 513 Nassau St. South in Venice. The discussion will be facilitated by Bishop J. Neal Alexander of the Diocese of Atlanta and Bishop Don Johnson of the Diocese of West Tennessee. To register, e-mail Robin Vogt.
“Restoring The Soul” Basic Healing Conference: June 26-28, at Church of the Holy Spirit, Osprey. Teachings cover foundational concepts of inner healing, blocks to healing, repentance and forgiveness, inner vows, word curses, renewal of the mind, and Holy Spirit empowerment. Group rates are available for 10 or more. For more information about registration and conference fees, contact CHS at (941) 966-1924 or chsosprey@verizon.net.
Third Annual Women’s Healing Conference; Sept. 5-6, at the Christian Retreat Center on Fort Myers Beach, sponsored by the Amazing Love Healing Ministry of Church of the Holy Spirit, Osprey. A Sunday morning Eucharist on the beach will be held for those who choose to stay. For more information about registration and conference fees, contact CHS at (941) 966-1924 or chsosprey@verizon.net.
People Notes:
Michelle Mercurio, the front desk director at DaySpring Conference Center, is leaving to take an administrative assistant position at Diocesan House, where she will assist in the areas of youth/young adult ministry, as well as mission and outreach. She starts her new duties May 19.
The Rev. Carolyn Biggs, rector of St. Mathew’s, St. Petersburg, has been appointed chair of the board of the diocese’s School for Ministry Development.
The Rev. Benjamin Santana has accepted a call as an assistant rector at Church of the Redeemer in Sarasota. He will be leading the parish’s Hispanic ministry and begin his duties June 1. Santana graduated from the Episcopal Seminary of the Caribbean Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico and has served at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Saint Croix, V.I, All Saints' Church in Meriden, Conn., and as the diocesan Hispanic missioner for the Diocese of Western New York.
