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 30, 2008:

'Tis the season: The 2008 hurricane season begins June 1. Congregations and parishioners can be better prepared for the unthinkable by viewing updated information and new links to valuable resources on (http://www.episcopalswfl.org/church_administration) and selecting the link to "Disaster Preparation and Response."

Convention information at your fingertips: The official web page of the 2008 diocesan convention is now on line with hotel reservation information, a list of planned workshops, maps and directions, and a list of elected positions to be filled at the convention, set for Oct. 16-18 at Christ Church in Bradenton. The pages will be regularly updated and expanded throughout the year as convention planning continues. Visit the site at (http://www.episcopalswfl.org/diocesan_convention).

Mark your calendars:

Make a Fresh Start: A meeting is set for May 31 to present details of Fresh Start, a program to support Episcopal clergy and their congregational lay leaders in navigating the critical period of transition in clergy leadership. Site registration starts 9 a.m. at St. Wilfred's Episcopal Church, 3773 Wilkinson Rd., in Sarasota. To register, contact Tana Sembiante at (941) 556-0315, ext. 271.

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:

The Rev. Leo Crawford has announced he will be retiring as rector of Good Samaritan Church in Clearwater. His last Sunday at Good Samaritan will be Sept. 28. Fr. Leo will continue to be active in the diocese as an assisting priest at Church of the Ascension in Clearwater.

Clarification: The formal title of The Rev. Benjamin Santana, head of Hispanic ministry at Church of the Redeemer in Sarasota, is Assisting Priest.