Go
Letters to the Editor    
Standing Committee member says he's likely leaving church
July 18, 2008 - 

A member of the diocese's Standing Committee told a group of conservatives July 12 that he plans to leave the Episcopal Church. Lay member Michael Howell told a group gathered in Arlington, Texas, that he expected to leave the church as soon as an "orthodox province or church established here in North America" becomes viable. Howell's term expires in 2010. Read more from The Living Church News Service.

Expert: Forget the past and look to DaySpring’s future
July 2, 2008 - Diocesan Council heard some uncomplicated advice from the expert brought in to evaluate DaySpring Conference Center: Get a positive attitude and agree on a direction for the 25-year-old camp and meeting center -- and then stick with it. Read More
Taiwan trip offers lessons in witness
July 2, 2008 - The Rev. Ray Bonoan, the diocese’s canon missioner for Asian ministries, says during a conference in Taiwan this June he was reminded that evangelism can be a really simple thing. Read More
Diocese joining fight against human trafficking
A modern-day slave trade is taking root and thriving in Florida, putting a strain on social service agencies that are turning to the church for help.
Going up

ropes1

A summer camp counselor checks out a camper's safety harness before she tries going up the vertical climbing wall June 26 at DaySpring Conference Center.
Grant money available for local ministries

The diocesan Grants and Loans Committee is now accepting applications for grants to be awarded this fall. the application deadline is Aug. 15. The application form is available by clicking here.

The committee has a total of $25,000 to allocate for enhancements and enrichment. The grants are open to deaneries, ministry organizations and other diocesan entities, as well as to congregations."Our mission is to fund enhancements and enrichments, not to cover operating costs," said committee chair Judy Stark. "We intend to divide this money among a number of applications rather than award one big grant. Especially in these tough economic times, we know even a small grant can make a big difference, and we look forward to receiving the applications."

Questions should be directed to the committee chair, Judy Stark, at (727) 893-8446 or (727) 773-7684. The completed forms and backup information should be sent to:

Judy Stark
350 Second St. N. #16
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
SCJuly2008teaser
In The Southern Cross

Letters to the editor / Reflections essays

The July/August 2008 issue of The Southern Cross is available in Episcopal churches in Southwest Florida.

If you have news items, feature ideas or photos to share with the diocese, contact Jim DeLa, director of communications, at (941) 556-0315, ext. 268.
 

The Scoop

An e-mail newsletter, geared toward clergy, church administrators and lay leaders, is sent every other week to more than 1,000 people. To view an archive of newsletters, click here.
Deadlines

The Southern Cross:
The Southern Cross is the diocese's bimonthly newsmagazine. Upcoming deadlines are:

September/October: August 1
November/December: October 1
January/February 2009: Dec. 1, 2008

The Scoop:
The Scoop is the bi-weekly e-mail newsletter for clergy and lay leaders. Send items of interest anytime to share with the diocesan community. To share an item or to be added to the distribution list, contact Jim DeLa.