FROM  THE  FIELD
News & Events of the Church in Georgia

March 20, 2012

 

From the Field

is a weekly eNewsletter of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia sent out each Tuesday. 

 

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In This Issue
1Book1Diocese
Diocesan Staff Events
Honey Creek Update
Christ Church, Cordele
Waycross Recieving Names for Next Rector
Listening Sessions
Blessing of the Crops
Junkanoo on Tybee
Marriage Retreat
Spring Clergy Conference
Music Director Search
Diocesan Confirmation Retreat
Upcoming Youth Events
Holy Week Photos Sought
Like Us on Facebook
Quick Links
to From the Field
 



 

1Book1Diocese
for Lent
Traditional Spiritual Practices

This week, the study considers service. Those taking part are encouraged to read through chapter two and visit the website where author, Michelle Heyne is taking part in the conversation. Even those who do not have the book can benefit from the material at the 1book1diocese website

Few Celebration Augusta
Acolyte & Youth Leadership Festival
Age Lowered for Festival Participation
Having received inquiries from some churches regarding a lower age limit for the Acolyte & Youth Leadership Festival (AYLF), registration for this event is now open to 3rd through 5th graders, in addition to students in 6th through 12th grades. Online registration reflects this change. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and look forward to having your 3rd through 12th graders with us at AYLF!

This year's festival will be hosted by St. Anne's, Tifton and will be held Saturday and Sunday, April 14 & 15, 2012. This event is open to 3rd through 12th graders and costs $30 to attend. The Rev. David Rose, Assistant Rector of St. Anne's, will serve as Coordinator for this event. Participants should bring their own vestments (marked with a church  name or participant's name) and their home church's banner, which will be processed during the Sunday morning Eucharist at St. Anne's.

Few Celebration AugustaAt AYLF, participants can expect to participate in acolyting and church leadership workshops facilitated by experienced practitioners; to meet other young acolytes and church leaders from across the diocese; to learn about other liturgical practices; to share their own church experience; and to have fun!

For more information on this event, please see the links below, or check out www.edogyayas.org. You can also email
Canon Hall or The Rev. David Rose for more information.

How to Register
Register online for Acolyte & Youth Leadership Festival 2012 (online registration is encouraged).
Download a hard copy of the paper registration form (PDF format).
Download a hard copy of a flyer for your church information table. (PDF format).

Diocesan Office Update

Bishop Benhase's eCrozier from last Friday "'God only helps those who help themselves.' - 2 Hezekiah 3:16" is online here: eCrozier #128

 

This Sunday, Bishop Benhase will make his annual visitation to St. Francis', Savannah, in the morning and  St. Michael's, Savannah, in the afternoon.

 

Canon Logue will be meeting with Christ Church Frederica's search committee.

 

Canon Hall is preparing for the upcoming Acolyte & Youth Leadership Festival (AYLF).  

 Honey Creek Update   

 

This weekend

Forgiveness Retreat| March 30-31

 

Summer Camp dates 

High School / June 17-23
Camp St. Joseph & Mary I / June 24-30
Camp St. Peter / July 8-14
Camp St. Joseph & Mary II / July 15-21

Christ Church, Cordele

Bishop's Visitation 

Christ Church - Cordele Confirmation

Pictured from left to right, Mark Boike: received, Susan Legere-Boike: confirmed, Bishop Benhase, Garrett Purvis: reaffirmed, and Gary Perkins: confirmed. 

 

Following the service, dinner was served to Bishop Benhase, and his wife, Kelly, as well as the congregation, and visitors of Christ Church. At the close of the meal, Bishop Benhase spoke to the church members, and answered questions of concern to the congregants. The vestry and church treasurer, along with Father Tom Arledge, and Deacon John Lane, met with Bishop Benhase, whereby he addressed the importance of the vestry showing unity to our fellow parishioners by becoming members of the Legacy Society. He gave us examples of how the mission churches can grow to become a parish. He left pamphlets on the New Era of Mission, and Legacy Society to share with our church members. In turn, Senior Warden, SuSu Burt revealed a couple of ideas in which Christ Church is "thinking big", to draw people's attention to our church, and to Christ's love that is flowing among us.

Grace, Waycross

Recieving Names for Next Rector 

The congregation of Grace Church, Waycross, is preparing to call its next rector and you can help. As clergy and parishioners of the Diocese of Georgia you may know priests who should be considered for this search.

 

The congregation's website also features each week a full video of the previous week's Sunday Eucharist: http://www.grace-episcopalwaycross.com/

General Convention 2012

Six Listening Sessions Scheduled 

Our eight elected clergy and lay deputies and their alternates will meet together with Bishop Benhase in six sessions, one in each convocation. These listening sessions will take place in Eastertide from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on the following dates at the following locations:

 

April 14 - St. Augustine's, Augusta

April 21 - St. Thomas', Thomasville

April 28 - St. Paul's, Albany

May 5 - St. Mark's, Brunswick

May 12 - St. Paul's, Savannah

May 19 - Christ Church, Dublin

 

The Bishop will be joined by as many deputies and alternates as can be present with reports on each meeting conveyed to our entire deputation. You may also email the bishop and deputies at [email protected] 

 

All of this information and more is at the Georgia Deputation website http://gc2012.georgiaepiscopal.org

St. James, Quitman 

Blessing of the Crops Draws Biggest Crowd Ever

By Julie Ford, Quitman Free Press 

 

The Ninth Annual Blessing of the Crops in Brooks County drew its biggest crowd ever, according to John Baker who is a retired Lowndes County Extension Agent and one of the organizers.

The yearly event is sponsored by BCT Gin and St. James' Episcopal Church of Quitman. 

 

This year the Blessing was held in the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 13. More than sixty people gathered at the BCT Gin in Morven to pray together for the Lord's blessing on our crops and for the people who work so hard to provide food and fiber for our comfort.  

 

The Blessing was officiated by Father Jim Elliott of St. James' Episcopal Church. Afterward Father Jim said, "The Brooks County agricultural community is truly blessed and we are all thankful for the hospitality of Van Murphy and the good folks at BCT Gin for once again hosting the Blessing of the Crops. We shared wonderful fellowship, delicious food, and most importantly the blessings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 

 

Van Murphy, Executive Director of the BCT Gin Company, testified to the effect of the annual Blessing on local crops: "I truly believe that this area is blessed by the Lord. Yields were high, the highest we've seen, and I know that was the work of the Lord. God's principles work, and this is one of His principles regarding reaping and sowing, to ask for His blessing. I give all honor to the Lord." 

 

Father Jim cited several Scriptural references during the Blessing, and states that the message is summed up by Matthew 6:31 - 33: "...do not worry, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear?'...indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

All Saints', Tybee Island

Junkanoo

Junkanoo - All Saints, Tybee IsaldnBarabbas and his Tribe brought the congregation to their feet playing brass instruments, steel drums and bells as they marched down the aisle at the conclusion of the service at All Saint's Episcopal, Tybee Island on March 11. This is the third visit in as many years from this group from the Bahamas who play "Junkanoo" music.  In town for the St. Patrick's Day parade, they have chosen All Saint's as their place of worship. They marched in 
Junkanoo - All Saints, Tybee Isaldn
to "When the Saints Go Marching In," and then led the congregation to the  mission hall.  They shared a covered dish luncheon with everyone complete with southern fried chicken.   

Marriage Retreat Weekend at Honey Creek

Marriage Retreat - Honey Creek

April 20th-22nd 2012 / Cost $325 a CoupleLimited to 12 Couples

 

What is "The Marriage Course"? The Marriage Course is very practical, giving any married couple the tools to build a strong and healthy marriage that lasts a lifetime. Couples talk about important issues that can get swept under the carpet in the rush of daily life. Topics covered include: recognizing each other's needs, learning to communicate effectively, resolving conflict, healing past hurt, knowing how to make each other feel loved, relating to parents and in-laws, good sex, making time for each other, and having fun together. Privacy as a couple is always respected. There is no group discussion and no requirement to disclose anything about your relationship to anyone. 

 

What's involved? There is a talk followed by an opportunity to discuss the topic together as a couple. The setting is welcoming, relaxed and unthreatening. 

 

Who is it for? The Marriage Course is for any married couple who want to build a strong and lasting relationship,
especially:
 those who want to enhance their marriage
 those in the first five years of marriage
 those at a challenging stage in their marriage, such as the birth of a child, a career change, teenagers at home, the "empty nest"
 those struggling with issues in their marriage

 The course, while based on Christian principles, is very helpful for any couple with or without a Christian
faith or church background.

 

 Facilitated by Bill and MaryBeth Hesse, King of Peace, Kingsland, GA Contact information: [email protected] 

 

Spring Clergy Conference 

Meeting to Focus on Peer Coaching

The Spring Clergy Conference will meet at Honey Creek from May 6-8. Sunday evening will offer Bishop's Time following supper as we talk about our mutual concerns. This is particularly important as we approach General Convention. On Monday and Tuesday, the Rev. Chris Holmes and other senior trainers who work with peer coaching and mentoring for clergy will help us learn how to assist one another in ministry. The conference will end Tuesday by 5 p.m.

 

Conference Rates

$97 Commuter

$147 Cottage

$167 Double

$257 Single

 

Register online here:   

Spring Clergy Conference Registration

 

St. Anne's, Tifton 

Music Director Search 

St. Anne's Episcopal ChurchSt. Anne's Episcopal Church, Tifton Georgia, seeks a part-time church musician to direct the adult choir, perform other responsibilities as outlined below, and develop one additional musical program for the Parish.

 

St. Anne's is a growing congregation with an average Sunday attendance of 150 during the academic year and lower attendance in the summer months. Sunday worship presently consists of one service at 10 a.m. Additional services are under consideration. Currently, the adult choir is the only choir or musical group of any age. The growth of the choir and additional music groups or activities for the Parish are long-range goals.

For more information, check St. Anne's website

Youth & Young Adults 

Diocesan Confirmation Retreat 2012  


Young confirmands from across the diocese gathered at Honey Creek this past weekend for our inaugural confirmation retreat, which was held in anticipation of forthcoming convocational confirmations. The event was co-coordinated by Mrs. Maggie Bloodworth and the Rev. Justin Yawn, in consultation with Canon Leigh Hall. Six churches were represented: Christ Church, SSI (Henry Heery, Christopher Holt, Creighton Kellogg & Tennyson Thompson); King of Peace, Kings. (Christa Abel); Trinity, States. (Robert Mixson); St. Luke's, Hawk. (Jordan Baker, Cait McDaniel & Beth Williams); St. Paul's, Sav. (Grace Downs); St. Matthew's, Sav. (Arianna & Renee Harris). Course instructors were the Rev. Dr. Gary Abbott, Mrs. Maggie Bloodworth, Mrs. Joy Davis, the Rev. Curtis Mears, Mr. Rudy Reyes, the Rev. Sierra Wilkinson & the Rev. Justin Yawn. Mr. Josan Rivera and Ms. Emily Stallings, young adults from the Episcopal Campus Ministry at GSU/Trinity, States., assisted as adult leaders.

Bishop Benhase's Schedule of Convocational Confirmations 
Augusta | April 14th | St. Augustine's | Augusta | 4p
Southwestern | April 21st | St. Thomas' | Thomasville | 4p
Albany | April 28th | St. Paul's | Albany | 4p
Southeastern | May 5th | St. Mark's | Brunswick | 4p
Savannah | May 12th | St. Matthew's | Savannah | 4p
Central | May 19th | Christ Church | Dublin | 4p 
Members of the Youth Commission on retreat, October 2011

Youth & Young Adults  

Upcoming Events 

 

Acolyte & Youth Leadership Festival | April 14 - 15 | St. Anne's, Tifton

Hometown Missions | May 4 - 6 | Christ Church, Augusta

Please see  www.edogyayas.org for more information. 

The Digital Intern  

Transitioning to Facebook Timeline

On March 30th all fan pages will convert to the new Timeline. Unlike your personal Facebook page, where you have a choice in updating to the new format, fan pages will be automatically updated to Timeline. Facebook is a great tool to extend your digital hospitality and keep people updated on the life of your church. Facebook is only one digital tool and is best used in conjunction with a website.

 

There are several ways congregations in the diocese use Facebook to connect with others. Some congregations use open or closed group, while others use Facebook fan pages. There are plus and minus to using anyone of these options. The choice to use one of these options is dependent on you're congregation's vision for its digital presence and hospitality.

 

The diocesan Facebook page and several churches in the diocese have already switched over to Timeline. Facebook's new Timeline provide a great opportunity to extend your digital hospitality. Timeline allows for a more dynamic interaction with your church's 

Few Celebration Augusta

Facebook page. Several new elements are introduced with Timeline. 

The first is a cover photo. There are several creative ways to take advantage of this new space. St. George's, Savannah's Facebook cover photo (see right) displays Chemotherapy caps made by parishioners, which is part of St. George's on going community outreach with Comfort Pillow Project. St. George's highlights their outreach ministry with their cover photo. Let your cover photo say something about your congregation. Another element introduced with Timeline is the ability to tell a historical narrative. This allows you to tell a narrative of the life of your church. The diocesan timeline narrates the history of the diocese from its founding in 1823 to the present. Each of these milestones provides a means to learn more about the history of the diocese with a link to the diocesan archives. Take advantage of this space to tell your history and milestones. This is an effective way to tell your history. An additional element of Timeline is the greater visibility of the tabs, which allows a wider means of engagement with your Facebook page. Timeline allows you to display four tabs prominently. This is a good time to explore different app options for your Facebook page. The diocesan Facebook page, for example now allows you to sign up for From the Field.

 

Mashable, a social media news site provides a helpful resource in Facebook Timeline for Brands: The Complete Guide. While this resource is aimed towards company Facebook pages, it can be translated for congregations and ministries. In Timeline for Brands: How to Prepare for Your Company's New Facebook Page, Jim Belosic provides some helpful tips that can be used for congregational Facebook pages in transitioning to Timeline. Take this opportunity, Belosic writes to re-vist, re-vamp or create your social media plan. The transfer to Facebook's new Timeline provides an excellent opportunity to consider your congregation's vision for social media and digital hospitality. How do you plan to utilize Facebook with your congregation? In addition, this is the time to go through your congregation's history, as mentioned above. This transition period will give you the option to go through your Facebook and do any tiding up that is needed. Victoria Ransom's article about 6 Big Changes Every Marketer Needs to Understand, is another useful article about the impact of these changes for Facebook fan pages. These resources are helpful tools in understanding and utilizing the Timeline for greater digital hospitality. 

 

Rudy Reyes

Administrative Intern

 

The Digital Intern is a periodical column in From the Field focused on sharing tools and resources for developing a strong and hospitable digital presence for congregations and ministries at thedigitalintern.georgiaepiscopal.org/

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Sincerely,
 

Diocesan Staff
The Episcopal Diocese of Georgia