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 October 15, 2008:  (2 days until the start of diocesan convention).

Conventional Wisdom:

 Two days and counting: Diocesan convention is just two days away. From the diocesan web site (www.episcopalswfl.org/diocesan_convention) you can download copies of the proposed budget, resolutions, proposed changes in diocesan canons as well as nominees for election. You can also find maps and directions to Christ Church in Bradenton. If you can’t make it to convention, updates on the web site are planned at various times during the day.

Schedule change: Thursday’s Diocesan Council meeting time has been changed to 3 p.m. (instead of 2 p.m.) in meeting room 1 at Christ Church, Bradenton. The Standing Committee is still scheduled to meet at 1:30 p.m. at Christ Church.  

 Look for the white T-shirts: There will be a small army of volunteers at convention, helping clergy, delegates and workshop participants find their way around the Christ Church and St. Stephen’s They’ll be hard to miss in white T-shirts with purple diocesan shields on the front.

 Other news:

Rescheduled: The Fresh Start meeting scheduled for Nov. 1 has been canceled due to conflicting events also scheduled for All Saints Day. A new date will be announced soon.

Tickets to be mailed for presiding bishop’s visit: The diocese will welcome the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, during her first visit to Southwest Florida Nov. 6–9. She will be in Tampa Nov. 6 to celebrate and preach at the opening Eucharist of the biannual meeting of the National Association of Episcopal Schools.

On Friday, Nov. 7, she will meet with clergy of the diocese from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at DaySpring Conference Center near Ellenton.

That evening, Bishop Jefferts Schori will be the special guest at a reception beginning at 6 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Venice. She will offer remarks and take questions. Due to the limited space and high demand, each congregation will receive an allotment of tickets to be distributed at their discretion.

On Saturday, Nov. 8, Bishop Jefferts Schori will visit a gathering of youth and young adults. On Sunday, Nov. 9, she will preach at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Tampa at the 9 a.m. service.

 UTO and the MDGs: United Thank Offering grant applications are now available from the bishop’s office. The annual grant program is narrowing its focus for 2009 to favor projects that implement significant change toward alleviating profound human suffering that the Millennium Development Goals address. To get an application, contact Jan Nothum via e-mail address only at jnothum@episcopalswfl.org. All completed applications must be returned to Jan Nothum at the diocesan office and be postmarked no later than Jan. 2, 2009 to be considered by the committee.  Please check the UTO web site for additional information.

  Wheels needed: Two ministries are looking for some help with transportation:

• The diocese’s Hispanic Ministry is looking for a panel truck to use for an outreach project. Contact the Ven. Dennis McManis at (941) 556-0315 if you have a van to donate.
• The diocese’s Asian Ministry would like to borrow a multi-passenger van for use Nov. 3-5. Call Deacon Denis McManis at (941) 556-0315.

Upcoming events:

 British choir to visit: The Ely Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys will perform on Friday, Oct. 17 at the Church of the Redeemer, 222 South Palm Ave., in Sarasota. The concert also features the cathedral’s assistant organist, Jonathon Lilley. Tickets can be purchased for $10 from the church office. Call (941) 955-4263.

 "A Journey in Disciple Making” Conference. Nov.7-8 at DaySpring Conference Center. An effective men's ministry strategy for your church and a powerful vision for discipling. Workshops include “Calling Men to a Relevant Faith” by David Delk, president of Man in the Mirror; and “Reaching Every Man,” led by David Dusek, director of Reaching Every Man Florida. Conference participants will receive a copy of No Man Left Behind for follow-up study. Cost is $135 for semi-private accommodations, $105 for a dorm bunk; and $90 for commuters. Register by calling (941) 957-1271.

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