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 August 1, 2008: (78 days until the start of diocesan convention)

Suitable for framing: The first group of Bishop Smith’s official portraits has been sent to churches that placed orders this past spring. We are still able to order additional prints. If you are interested in a photograph of Bishop Smith, contact Jan Nothum to get an order form.

Council meeting later than usual: The Diocesan Council meeting on Saturday, Aug. 9, will begin at 1 p.m. instead of the usual starting time of 9 a.m. All members are welcome to meet at DaySpring for lunch at noon.

Welcome, Bishop Holguin: The Rt. Rev. Julio Cesar Holguín of the Diocese of the Dominican Republic will be preaching soon at several churches in the diocese:

• On Sunday, Aug. 3, at St. Mark's in Venice at the 8 and 10 a.m. services. There will be a coffee reception for him in Gray Hall between the services. 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.
• Tuesday, Aug 5, at Church of the Good Shepherd in Dunedin;
• Wednesday, Aug. 6 at Church of the Good Shepherd in Venice.
• Sunday, Aug. 10 at Church of the Redeemer in Sarasota, at the 7:30, 9, and 11 a.m. Masses as well as the Spanish Mass at 1 p.m.

Ministry Fair space going fast: There are still a few spaces left for ministries that wish to have information booths at the Ministry Fair at Diocesan Convention this October. To reserve a space, contact The Rev. Joel Morsch at Christ Church, Bradenton, at (941) 747-3709.

Upcoming events

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.

Canned labyrinth: A community food drive in Clearwater called “We CAN With Our Own Two Feet” is planned Sunday, Oct. 12 to benefit the Religious Community Services food pantry. Several area churches, including Church of the Ascension and Good Samaritan in Clearwater will be host sites featuring a labyrinth laid out and lined with canned goods. Everyone is invited to contribute at least enough cans to equal the length of their own two feet. Participants will have the opportunity to walk the labyrinth in prayer for those who give and those who receive. The donations will be blessed and delivered to RCS.

For programs, workshops and guided walks, or to set up a temporary labyrinth at your church, contact certified labyrinth facilitator and spiritual director Debra McMaster at (727) 799-0082. 

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.

Clergy retreat: The annual 3-day clergy retreat will be held Sept. 8-10 at DaySpring Conference Center near Ellenton. To register, contact Karen Rettler. You are responsible for making your own housing arrangements directly with Angela at DaySpring at (941) 776-1018. Additional information, guest speaker and schedule information is available on our web site.

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:

Dr. Kay MacLean Keith, wife of the Rev. John Monsour, died July 26 after a long illness. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held Saturday, Aug. 9 at 10 a.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 13312 Cain Rd., in Tampa. Bishop Dabney Smith will preside and the Rev. Ed Henley will officiate the Ministry of the Word. Clergy in attendance are invited to vest and process in alb and white stoles. Please keep John and his family in your prayers.

Please keep Wayne Farrell and Bryan O’Carroll, the diocese’s two newest postulants, in your prayers. Both are poised to begin their first year of seminary. Farrell, from St. Boniface Church in Sarasota, will be attending the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn., and O’Carroll, of St. Wilfred’s in Sarasota, will attend Nashotah House in Nashotah, Wis.