The Diocesan Office is going through a transition to using a database from ACS to keep up with the people and parishes of the Diocese. The transition occurred last week to the new system and the staff is working on revising the data to clean up the new database.

On Sunday, Bishop Benhase will make a visitation to St. Thomas', Thomasville, in the morning and to All Saints', Thomasville, in the evening. 

Canon Logue meets this evening with the vestry of St. John and St. Mark, Albany, to work on that congregation's transition to its next rector.

This Thursday, Program Manager Rudy Reyes will virtually meet with Campus Ministry Workers' in the diocese. These monthly meetings aim to discuss and share wisdom and ideas around engaging in campus ministry in our diocese. 

Grace, Sandersville

Pictured from left to Right: Deacon George Scott, Alex Pezon who was recieved into the Church, acolyte Juniah Walls, Bishop Benhase, acolyte Ky'Andre Walls, and the Rev. Carlton Shuford, Vicar of Grace, Sandersville.

All Saints, Tybee Island

For the second year, All Saints' Tybee participated in the Tybee Christmas Parade. Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus were  on the float surrounded by wise men, shepherds, angels and  other members of the church.  Literature was passed out inviting everyone to attend our church, especially the Christmas Eve Service. 

 

St. John and St. Mark, Albany

For more than a year, the Cursillo reunion groups at St. John and St. Mark's in Radium Springs, Albany, have hosted block parties for the church's neighbors living in the apartments and houses on their street ... serving food and providing games and music and a time to gather. This has been slow work and at the same time, the church has gotten in CyberCafe' ministry up and growing.

But as its December, when the planners could not count  on weather that allows for a jump slide and outdoor fun, Sharon Stewart conceived the idea of a St. Nicholas neighborhood block party.  The idea was simple provide items for children who came to select as gifts for their mom or dad or other caregiver; have wrapping paper, ribbon and bows, tape, and tags so the kids could help wrap the gifts they chose; serve cookies and hot chocolate with marshmallows; and have a table where the children could create a homemade ornament without too much fuss; and have elves on hand to make it all work. All of those things were given by members of the congregation.

Twenty-three parishioners took part in the event. Of course, a St. Nicholas party isn't a St. Nicholas party without St. Nicholas, and he showed up, too, to pass out gold coins to all the children who graced us with their presence. In reporting on the event, Zibi Davidson said, "As always, we are the ones who were blessed. We look forward to making this an annual celebration of God's love as we try to reach out to those in our midst."

Episcopal Campus Ministry at Georgia Southern 

Second Ecumenical Advent Service

The students from ECM celebrated the Second Ecumenical Advent Service. This year the entire service was organized by the students from different campus ministries. It was hosted by First Presbyterian Church in Statesboro, with Matthew Humphrey's dedicated assistance. The Rev. Douglas Clark from the Catholic Eagles spoke about Advent Season. Afterward all those gathered enjoyed fellowship and food in the church's social hall. Students have organized to begin planning for next year at Trinity Statesboro.  

Nelson Mandela: An Advent Life

A reflection by the Rev. David J. Somerville

We have all felt the loss - even though it had been inevitable for several months. Nelson Mandela entered into eternal life last Thursday at the age of ninety-five. He, as most of us know by now, was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary. He served as president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999 - just one term. "Madiba", as his loving supporters called him, was the first South African black man to hold the office, and the first to gain the office in a fully representative election. His government focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid through tackling institutionalized racism, and fostering reconciliation. He succeeded at this in a disciplined, non-violent way.

We have all got much to learn from the life of this noble statesman. His passing during the first week of Advent brings up themes that well compliment the Advent Gospel. One of the great lessons of the season comes from Isaiah 11:

 

Registration Open for Happening in January

Happening #92 will be held at Honey Creek January 24-26 and is open to those in grades 10 - 12.  During a Happening weekend, participants worship, play, sing, and talk about God's place in their lives. They make new friends who share similar concerns and questions - a reassuring discovery. 

A teenager who acts as "rector" leads the weekend with the help of a staff consisting mostly of young people. The Rector for the upcoming Happening will be Andrew Greneker of Christ Church, Valdosta. Some staff members give challenging talks, after which there's time for discussion and activity. Together, the staff and participants share in an exploration of the impact of Christian faith in their daily lives. Happeners who attend a weekend for their first time are called "Candidates." To be a Candidate, one must have completed the 9th grade and have not begun college.

Register for Happening #92

Diocesan Young Adult and Campus Ministries 

 The Diocese of Georgia also has a YouTube Channel where you can watch past videos and subscribe to get updates when new videos are posted.