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

The Scoop for September 15, 2008: (32 days until the start of diocesan convention)

Hurricane victims in need: The diocesan office received a call from Canon Mark Stevenson in the Diocese of Louisiana, saying they are in serious need of ice, both in New Orleans and Baton Rouge. He says the power outage in some areas -- especially Baton Rouge -- is worse than it was after Hurricane Katrina. With hot weather anticipated and much hard labor underway, they could use at least a couple of truckloads of ice in each location.

If any of you have contacts or friends who own ice plants, it would be most helpful to solicit their assistance. Please contact the Rev. Canon Michael Durning at (941) 556-0315 to coordinate efforts. Please keep our sisters and brothers in your prayers.

Episcopal Relief and Development on the national radar: ERD is collecting money toward relief efforts along the Gulf Coast. ERD officials are pleased to note that both the Democratic and Republican presidential candidates have ERD on their websites as an agency providing relief in the Gulf Coast. You can find links below.
http://www.barackobama.com/splash/aid.html?source=feature_gustav

http://www.johnmccain.com/Organizations.htm

Missionary opportunity: The Anglican Church of El Salvador is looking for priests interested in a 2-to-3-year commitment to working among urban working-class people and the poor in the metropolitan area of San Salvador. Priests with energy and a call for the sharing of the gospel of God's love for all, and for reconciliation, justice and peace among people who have suffered under times of war and social upheaval, are encouraged apply. Please contact Richard A. Bower, executive director of Fundacin Cristosal.

Conventional wisdom:
Preparations for the Oct. 17-18 diocesan convention continue. Don't' wait until the last minute to secure hotel rooms or sign up for meals and workshops. From the diocesan web site you can:
-- Register and pay for all of Friday and Saturday events and meals on line.
-- Download a copy of the proposed 2009 diocesan budget.
-- See who's standing for election for Standing Committee, Diocesan Council and other offices.
-- Download the latest revision of proposed changes of diocesan canons.
-- Get hotel reservation information, maps and directions to the hotel and convention site.
-- View a schedule of events for the entire weekend.

The site will be updated constantly between and now and the convention. Bookmark the page or subscribe to RSS feeds to be notified when new information is posted.

Tablecloths still needed: For the convention's party Friday evening, Oct. 17, organizers need to borrow 25 eight-foot round white tablecloths. If your congregation can supply some or all, please contact Judy Stark at (727) 773-7684.

Upcoming events

Jesus and Judaism: Thursday, Sept. 25, at 7:30 p.m., at Wireman Chapel at Eckerd College, St. Petersburg. A lecture by Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Professor of New Testament Studies, Vanderbilt Divinity School. The talk is part of the college's Presidential Events Series. For more information, visit: www.eckerd.edu/president/pes/

Mornings beget knights: St. Margaret of Scotland Church on Sarasota will host "Raising a Modern-Day Knight," a DVD-based course for fathers, on six Thursday mornings from Oct. 16 to Nov. 20, from 6:30-7:30 a.m. This series, developed by the Rev. Robert Lewis, pastor at Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock, Ark., is for men with sons from 8 to 30. "Communicate the definition of authentic manhood clearly, giving your son a compelling vision for his life." Call (941) 925-2525 to register. Cost is $40 fee for materials, individual training guide, Legacy Album and book. St. Margaret is at 8700 State Road 72, 3.5 miles east of I-75.

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.

YouthQuake 2008: A weekend retreat Nov. 14-16 for middle and high school students sponsored by ACTS29 Ministry. The theme is &quotTransformed." Cost is $150 per person. Location: Christian Retreat Center in Bradenton. For more information, go to the YouthQuake web site or contact Candy Stott.

Mark your calendars:

The 2009 clergy day will be held Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009, the day following Ash Wednesday. This is the day when the bishop celebrates a Chrism Mass.

The 2009 clergy retreat is reserved for Sept. 14-16, 2009. Bishop Smith will be contacting persons to form a planning committee for the event. The Rev. Canon Michael Durning will be happy to forward any suggestions or concerns you may have.

"Believe in a Miracle," an evangelical event with the theme &quotTelling the Story" sponsored by Women's Ministries of the diocese, is set for Feb. 6-7, 2009, at DaySpring Conference Center near Ellenton. Keynote speaker will be storyteller the Rev. Marilyn Engstrom, dean of the cathedral in Cheyenne, Wyo. More information will be available soon. Contact Esther Miseroy at emiseroy@verizon.net.

People Notes:

Congratulations to the following people elected at recent fall convocations to Diocesan Council, representing their respective deaneries:

Judith Stark of St. Peter's Cathedral in St. Petersburg, who was re-elected to a third term by the St. Petersburg Deanery;

Michael Kline of Church of the Ascension, Clearwater, elected to his first term by the Clearwater Deanery;

Betty Gamel of St. Monica's Church in Naples, elected to her first term by the Naples Deanery;

The Rev. Benjamin Twinamaani of Grace Church, Tampa, re-elected by the Tampa Deanery;

The Rev. Joel Morsch of Christ Church, Bradenton, filling an unexpired term, was re-elected by the Manasota Deanery; and

The Rev. Arthur Lee, elected to his first term representing the Venice Deanery.