This is The Scoop, a communication sent every two weeks from the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida. Send items to share to Jim DeLa, director of communications.

The Scoop for August 15, 2008: (63 days until the start of diocesan convention)

School days: The School for Ministry Development re-emerges from its hiatus with classes starting Sept. 22. The educational offerings are for any adult who desires to expand their knowledge, enhance their Christian journey or pursue either a lay license or the vocational diaconate. For details about classes and registration, visit www.episcopalswfl.org/ministry_development.

Also on the web site: The bishop’s visitation schedule has been updated through June 2009. If you’ve never visited Bishop Smith’s page, take a look at www.episcopalswfl.org/from_the_bishop.

Watch your mailbox: Clergy and delegates to diocesan convention can expect to see the 2008 diocesan convention booklets in the mail beginning next week. The book has photos and biographical information about persons standing for election, as well as schedules for Friday, Oct. 17 and Saturday, Oct. 18. The book also includes maps of the venue, Christ Church and St. Stephen’s School in Bradenton. If you can’t wait for the mailed copy, you can download the book by visiting www.episcopalswfl.org/diocesan_convention.

The book will not include the proposed 2009 budget. With early convocations this year, the book had to be printed before Diocesan Council approved the budget on Aug. 9. The proposed budget will be mailed and posted on the website as soon as it is released for publication by the CFO’s office.

It’s convocation time: The fall deanery convocations, important for all clergy and lay delegates to diocesan convention, 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.

Free to a good home: Anyone who might be interested in an Estey “Freedom II” organ can call Sheila Stidham at (239) 728-8641.

Fresh Start training: A program to support Episcopal clergy and their congregational lay leaders in navigating the critical period of transition in clergy leadership will be presented Sept. 27 at St. Vincent's Episcopal Church, 5441 9th Ave. North, in St. Petersburg. To register online, click here or download the registration form. Contact Tana Sembiante for more information at (941) 556-0315, Ext. 271.

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.

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 by e-mail only. 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.

People Notes:

Please pray for a speedy recovery for Diane McLaughlin, wife of diocesan CFO George McLaughlin, who is having surgery today.