This is the latest installment of the new communication from Diocesan House, to be distributed usually on a bi-weekly basis to clergy and lay leaders in the Diocese of Southwest Florida. This combines and replaces the weekly e-mail previously sent by the Rev. Canon Michael During and Connections, the diocese’s monthly e-mail newsletter.
Your contributions are important. Send items to share with the diocesan community to Jim DeLa, director of communications, at jdela@episcopalswfl.org.
For Oct. 8, 2007:
Doing confirmations differently:
A new component to each individual parish visitation by Bishop Smith will be the added celebration of confirmation, reception and reaffirmation. At this time no deanery wide or other special services of confirmation will be scheduled.
In addition, Bishop Smith has announced his intention to do one diocesanwide confirmation service per year. The first diocesan wide celebration is set for Saturday, April 12, 2008, beginning at 11 a.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral. For more information, contact Jan Nothum via email.
Bishop Smith’s visitation schedule is posted on the diocesan web site.
Convention news:
Here are some recent developments concerning diocesan convention, set for Oct. 19-20 at the Venice Community Center:
Fourth resolution added to agenda: Since the last e-mail, a fourth resolution has been added for consideration at the Oct. 20 business meeting. The resolution, submitted by the Venice and Manasota deaneries at their joint Sept. 5 convocation, would establish a college scholarship fund for children of clergy. The full texts of all resolutions are on the diocesan web site: www.episcopalswfl.org/diocesan_convention/
Look in your registration packets: The ECW report to convention was omitted from the convention booklet. It will be printed and included in the registration materials. It will also be included in the journal of convention.
Also, for informational purposes only, a CD containing the latest proposed changes to the diocesan constitution and canons will be included in registration packets. An extensive update of the documents has been in progress for some time. Comments and redrafts will be made during 2007-2008, and with any luck at all, says Constitution and Canons Committee Chair Becky Robbins-Penniman, a final package will be considered at the 2008 convention.
On Voting: Just a reminder that this is the year convention elects two people to fill at-large positions on Diocesan Council -- one must be male and one female. It happens that both current nominees are men. Convention will need to nominate from the floor and elect one woman to this office.
Who can vote: Office Manager Leanna Hood has assembled a clergy voting list, which has been posted on the web site. It is Bishop Smith's intention to make no changes to last year's qualifications for clergy voting. Please consult the list and send any comments to lhood@episcopalswfl.org.
The 2007 convention booklet, including the proposed 2008 diocesan budget, information about nominees for elected office and tentative schedule of events is available, in PDF format on line at the diocesan web site (www.episcopalswfl.org/diocesan_convention/)
The web site also offers an on-line registration form, interactive maps to find the convention venues and hotel information.
Youth News:
The registration deadlines for New Beginnings #42, to be held Nov. 2-4 at DaySpring Conference Center, have been extended. Team applications are now due by Oct.12; participants much have paperwork in no later than Oct. 19. Download forms by visiting the diocesan web site.
Support group in Spring Hill
St. Andrew's in Spring Hill offers ongoing GriefShare Groups for those who have lost someone close to them. Groups meet every Tuesday from 3-5 p.m. Call Sally Cloughly at (352) 666-8806 or the rector at (352) 683-2010 for more information.
Special programs:
The Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Ave. in Sarasota, presents a discussion and performance of W.A. Mozart’s anthem, The Solemn Vespers (Vesperae Solemnes de Confessore) on Sunday, October 21st. Beginning at 4 p.m., guest speaker Richard Benedum, DMA, former professor of musicology at the University of Dayton and current organist-choirmaster at Christ Episcopal Church in Bradenton, will lecture on Mozart’s anthem in Gillespie Hall adjacent to the church. At 5:15 p.m., the Solemn Vespers will be performed as part of Redeemer’s monthly Evensong Series. A light reception in Gillespie Hall follows. For more information, contact the parish office at (941) 955-4263.
People notes:
Please pray for a speedy recovery for Deacon Jack O’Reilly, who is facing back surgery.
Help wanted:
Interim musician position: St. Margaret of Scotland Episcopal Church in Sarasota is oofering good pay, reasonable hours. Keyboard and organ experience sought. Great opportunity to be part of a thriving faith community with a variety of worship alternatives.
Contact the Rev. Everett Walk at (941) 925-2525 for details.
Music director (part-time): Lamb of God Church, a Lutheran and Episcopal congregation, is seeking a dynamic individual who can create, grow and sustain a vibrant music culture which is inspirational to the congregation. A bachelor’s degree in music preferred plus several years experience in choral conducting. Excellent keyboard/piano skills required. This position is part-time. Send or fax resume, with salary requirements, to: Human Resources Committee, Lamb of God Church, 19691 Cypress View Drive, Ft. Myers, FL 33976. Fax: (239) 267-3043. EOE.
