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 July 18, 2008:

Lambeth updates: A daily roundup of the latest news and opinion coming from the Lambeth Conference can be found on the diocesan web site: www.episcopalswfl.org/lambethconference.

USF Open House: The Chapel Center @ USF invites anyone interested in young adult leadership to an open house on Wednesday, July 30. They’ll begin with ecumenical worship at 11 a.m. in St. Anselm's Chapel and then move into the newly renovated Chapel Center for lunch and conversation. There’s lots to talk about, says the Rev. Denise Gray Guinta, campus pastor and Episcopal priest-in-charge. A new student organization is being formed for access and ministry on campus; a new agenda and identity for ecumenical campus ministry needs to emerge and a renewed participation of local congregations is desired. Please RSVP to Denise Gray Guinta.

You can check out what’s happening at the Chapel Center at www.episcopalswfl.org/usf

Wheels and keels: DaySpring Conference Center is on the lookout for a couple of specific donations:

1. A rescue boat. The boat should be a small, easily trailered vessel with an outboard motor. They need it primarily to tow wayward canoeists back to their dock. If you have a serviceable craft of this type to donate, the DaySpring staff will pick it up.

2. A truck. Interim Executive Director Dr. Charles Wallace says they’re looking for a one-half or three-quarter-ton truck. It need not be in mint condition. “I’m looking for a beater,” he said.

Monetary gifts for purchasing these items, of course, would also be appreciated. Contact DaySpring at (941) 776-1018.

Visiting Bishop in Venice: The Rt. Rev. Julio Cesar Holguín of the Diocese of the Dominican Republic will be preaching at St. Mark's in Venice on Sunday, Aug. 3 at the 8 and 10 a.m. services. There will be a coffee reception for him in Gray Hall between the services. Also on Aug. 3 at 2 p.m., there will be a reunion of the Venice and Fort Myers deaneries' 2008 Dominican Republic mission participants at St. Mark's. We will provide a buffet so a phone call to (941) 488-7714, or e-mail to indicate your plans to attend is appreciated.

Ministry Fair space going fast: There are no more available electric outlets for booths at the Ministry Fair at Diocesan Convention this October. To reserve a space without use of an outlet, contact The Rev. Joel Morsch at Christ Church, Bradenton, by the deadline of Aug. 1, at (941) 747-3709.

Got Hymnals? The Church of the Nativity is Sarasota has 25 1982 Hymnals they would like to donate to anyone who needs them. Contact the church at (941) 355-3262 or by e-mail by clicking here.

Discerning a call? The Commission on Ministry will hold its next Vocation Information Day on Saturday, Sept. 13, beginning at 10 a.m. at Church of the Ascension in Clearwater. The gathering is to assist all those interested in the development of their ministry, whether as a layperson, deacon or priest. The day will include lunch and a closing Eucharist. Attendance does not require the permission of your rector or vicar, nor does such attendance imply the approval of the Commission for admittance to the ordination process. Applications for the ordination process will not be distributed.

Mark your calendars:
Free concert: Paul Colman of the Christian music groups Newsboys and His Word will be in concert on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. at St. Anne of Grace Episcopal Church, 6650 113th St N, in Seminole. Coleman is a Grammy nominated singer/songwriter/entertainer. The concert is free.

Safeguarding All God's Children Training: July 20, starting at noon at Church of the Epiphany, 2507 Del Prado Blvd. South, in Cape Coral. There is no fee and lunch will be provided. Contact the church office at (239) 574-3200.

New Horizons Camp: July 20-25 at DaySpring Conference Center. For youth aged 8-12 whose parents are incarcerated. Contact: the diocesan youth ministry office at (941) 556-0315, ext. 274.

Deanery convocations: The fall deanery convocations, important for all clergy and lay delegates, are as follows:

• Fort Myers Deanery: August 26, 7 p.m. at St. Hilary's Episcopal Church, 5011 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers. Contact the Very Rev. Ann McLemore at (239) 283-1820.
• St. Petersburg/Clearwater deaneries: Sept. 2, 7 p.m. at St. Giles' Episcopal Church, 8271 52nd St. North, in St. Petersburg. Contact the Very Rev. John Hartnett at (727) 544-6856.
• Naples Deanery: Sept. 3, 7 p.m. at St. Monica's Episcopal Church, 7070 Immokalee Rd. in Naples. Contact the Very Rev. Michael Rowe at (239) 992-4343.
• Tampa Deanery: Sept 4, 7 p.m. at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 13312 Cain Rd. in Tampa. Contact the Very Rev. Martha Vaguener at (813) 782-1202.
• Venice/Manasota deaneries: Sept. 11, 7 p.m. at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 513 Nassau St. South in Venice. Contact the Very Rev. Jim Puryear at (941) 488-7714.

People Notes:

Bishop and Mary Ellen Smith are celebrating the birth of their new granddaughter, Abigail Knight Williston. She was born July 8. She and the family are doing well.