Convention 2008: The Schedule:

Here is a preliminary schedule for Diocesan Convention, Oct. 16-17-18. Please note that it is subject to tweaking, so check back occasionally. All events are at Christ Church, Bradenton.

Online registration will open in mid-August. That's when delegates can register, indicate preferences for food, and sign up for workshops. Meanwhile, you can make your hotel reservations now at the Holiday Inn Riverside. Ask for the special rate for the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida. The toll-free phone number is (866) 624-1658.

THURSDAY, OCT. 16
1-2:30 p.m.: Standing Committee meets
3-4:30 p.m.: Diocesan Council meets

FRIDAY, OCT. 17
8 a.m. Ministry Fair setups begin; fair will be open throughout the convention.8:30 a.m. Registration opens
9 a.m. Morning Prayer
9:45 a.m. to noon: Workshops:

• Greening Our Congregations
• Human Trafficking
• Altar Guild: Best Practices
• What's New About Growing Old

Noon to 1 p.m.: Box lunches available
1-5 p.m.: Workshops:

• Safeguarding All God's Children
• Anti-Racism Training

2-4 p.m.: Stewardship in Tough Times: How to run your pledge drive when the economy is tanking
4-5:45 p.m.:

• Sidewalk Cafe. Lemonade and cookies to refresh you after a busy afternoon, or to greet you if you're just arriving.
• Meet the Candidates: All candidates for diocesan office will be invited to be present. This is your chance to meet them one-on-one, ask your questions, hear what they have to say.

6 p.m.: Opening Eucharist. Preacher: The Right Rev. Rogers Harris, retired bishop of the diocese
7:30-9:30 p.m.: Fabulous and Forty! A festive evening of food, fun and fellowship. We'll have a Cuban buffet, lots of time for table-hopping, meeting and greeting, socializing and entertainment. Get up and dance! Come celebrate our 40th convention!

SATURDAY, OCT. 18
8 a.m.: Registration opens.Coffee and donuts.
9 a.m.: Morning Prayer
9:45 a.m. to noon: Business meeting
Noon to 1:30 p.m.: Lunch
1:45-3 p.m.: Business meeting
3-3:30 p.m.: Adjournment. Stop in the courtyard for a lemonade or a bottle of cold water to take on the road as you head home. Thanks for being here, and see you next year.