This is The Scoop, a communication sent about 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, at jdela@episcopalswfl.org

The next Scoop is scheduled for release on Monday, Nov. 16.

The Scoop for November 2, 2009:

Flu guidelines: As the nationwide concern over the swine flu (H1N1) virus mounts, the Diocese of Southwest Florida has issued policy guidelines for congregations. Download the guidelines, Parish Infectious Disease Preparation and Response Guidelines for Swine Flu 2009-2010, by visiting the diocesan website: www.episcopalswfl.org/church_administration.

Switching surplices: If you were at the opening Eucharist at diocesan convention Oct. 9, check your surplice. The Rev. Bev Shives says he was in the vesting room after the service and laid his suplice on a table while changing. When he went back to hang it up, someone had picked his up by mistake. He has someone else’s, and would like to get his back. Call Bev at (813) 253-5932.

Apply for a UTO grant: The 2010 UTO Grant Application is now available at www.episcopalchurch.org/uto Projects that will receive grants will focus particularly on implementing significant change toward alleviating profound human suffering that the Millennium Development Goals address, particularly those that directly affect women and children. Grant awards are for projects that will occur June 2010 through June 2011. Complete the application and send the original to: The Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida, Attn: Jan / UTO, 7313 Merchant Court, Sarasota, FL 34240. The diocesan deadline for receipt of applications is Dec. 31. For additional information contact Jan Nothum in the bishop’s office via e-mail jnothum@episcopalswfl.org

Other news:

Medicine on wheels: The diocese’s Hispanic Ministry is looking for health care professionals to volunteer their time and expertise as part of a Mobile Ministry to serve poor families in our communities who do not have insurance or the financial resources to visit a doctor. The focus will be on health screening and education, with the capability to refer them to local providers who serve the poor and uninsured. Those interested can contact the Rev. Benjamin Santana at (941) 894-3117 or benjamin.santata@gmail.com or the Ven. Dennis McManis at (941) 556-0315 or dmcmanis@episcopalswfl.org

Coming up:

Episcopal Church Women Annual Meeting: The ECW Diocesan Executive Board invites the women of the diocese to its 39th annual meeting Nov. 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at DaySpring Conference Center in Parrish. Guest speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Ellen Sloan, rector of St. Michael's and All Angels, Sanibel. Sloan was the ECW Triennial chaplain in Anaheim this past July. The cost is $25. Contact Florence Holden at fholden01@gmail.com or (727) 992-4521.

Lunch invitation: The chaplains to the retired clergy, Canon Pastors Jerry Stadel and Larry Smellie, are hosting luncheons for the retired clergy, their spouses and surviving spouses. Ros Warren, from the Church Medical Trust, will speak about Medicare supplement health plans. She is a former social work educator from Great Britain, a Florida resident and clergy spouse.
The luncheons will be at noon at the following locations:
-- Nov. 12 at Lamb of God Church, 19691 Cypress View Dr., in Estero.
-- Nov. 13 at Westminster Suncoast Manor, 6090 9th St. South, in St. Petersburg.
Reservations are required. For information, contact the diocesan office at (941) 556-0315 or e-mail lhood@episcopalswfl.org

Food for the Soul:

Quiet Advent: Calvary Episcopal Church at Indian Rocks Beach is hosting an Advent Quiet Morning on Saturday, Dec. 5, beginning with the Holy Eucharist at 9 a.m. The Very Rev. John Hiers, rector of The Church of the Ascension and dean of the Clearwater Deanery, will be the spiritual leader for this morning of silence and meditation. If you need directions to Calvary please check the website at www.CalvaryIRB.org or contact Marilyn Clark at (727) 517-4071, or e-mail happyclark@aol.com

YouthQuake 2009: Convergence: An ecumenical one-day youth event Nov. 14 presented by Acts29 Ministries, from 3-9 p.m. at the Christian Retreat Center, 1200 Glory Way Blvd., in Bradenton. The cost is $25, which includes dinner. Featured speaker is Jonathan Hansen, missionary intercessor at the International House of Prayer in Atlanta. To register, contact Candy Stott at designedinteriors@tamapbay.rr.com For more information on this program, visit http://youthquake.a29.com/convergence

Concert schedule released: Christ Church in Bradenton has announced its 2009-2010 concert schedule. It includes noontime organ recitals during Advent, a Bach festival in March and Lenten recitals. Visit the schedule at www.christchurchswfla.org/concerts.html

Mark your Calendars:

Nov. 7-8 -- Canterbury Faire: The Church of the Good Shepherd, 401 W. Henry St. in Punta Gorda, is having its second annual Canterbury Faire Nov. 7-8. Vendors and crafters are wanted. The faire has a medieval theme with many events, games and rides for the entire family. Admission and parking is free. Food and beverages will be available as well as medieval entertainment. For more details, call Loretta Dunn at (941) 505-5592.

Nov. 14 -- Canterbury Faire: The Church of St. Andrew's, 2301 Deltona Blvd. in Spring Hill, is having its Canterbury Faire. Vendors and crafters are wanted. The fair will include many events, games, food, beverages and a silent auction. It runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact Gail Niedurny at (352) 686-0809.

Nov. 29 -- Rector’s installation: The installation of the Rev. Ernestine Flemister as rector of St. James House of Prayer in Tampa is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 29. The liturgical color will be red.

Feb. 6 -- Lincoln-Douglass Ball: The annual gala event, sponsored by St. James House of Prayer, will celebrate its 20th year on Feb. 6, 2010. Tickets for the fundraiser to help the church’s after-school program are $60. The reception will begin at 6 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m., and the promenade and dance beginning at 8 p.m. For tickets, contact Anna Valdes at (813) 876-0409; or Leila Mizer at (813) 961-9350.

More calendar items can be found at www.episcopalswfl.org/upcoming_events

People Notes:

The Rev. Rick Fellows, curate at St. Mary’s, Tampa, has been appointed chaplain of the Tampa Police Department, serving the department’s three districts and all officers and staff.

The Rev. Sharon Lewis, rector of Church of the Holy Spirit in Osprey, is leaving parish ministry to concentrate full-time on the Amazing Love Healing Ministry, which has held numerous seminars and weekend in the diocese. The parish is hosting a celebration of her ministry there on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 1:30-5 p.m. at Holy Spirit, 129 S. Tamiami Trail in Osprey. Contact Deacon Rocks-Anne Paul at the church office at (941) 966-1924.