An album of photos from the visitation held this past Sunday is online here: St. Luke's Rincon Baptisms and Confirmations

Trinity, Statesboro 

Bishop Benhase, The Rev. Joan Kilian, The Rev. Dcn. Steven Darby, with confirmands and their family (David & Elizabeth Boykin, Tyson Davis, Henry & Nanette Eisenhart, Mari Moss, Sally Nelson, and Deborah Shaver). 

For the third consecutive year, a mission team from the Southeast Convocation of the Diocese is returning to El Carreton, Dominican Republic. They arrived yesterday (Monday, January 26) and will come back on February 3. The group is continuing its ongoing assistance in building the high school pictured above. On this trip, the short term mission team will build shelves for the library and desks for computers plus whatever else there is. More importantly, they will continue to build the ongoing relationships with partners in our Companion Diocese of the Dominican Republic.

Second Mission Team Travels this Saturday

A group from St. Anne's Tifton leaves this Saturday to continue their ongoing project in our Companion Diocese which was begun and is overseen by St. Patrick's Albany. The two congregations are working with the congregation of Espíritu Santo Episcopal Church in the small town of Las Carreras. The eight-member team from St. Anne's will continue working on the church building (pictured at right during a visit by Bishop Holguin last October).

Medical Mission Trip to Run Eye Clinic

Members of both St. Peter's, Savannah, and St. Anne's, Tifton, will take part in a medical mission trip February 15-22. The group will run an eye clinic in conjunction with the medical clinic at Bishop Kellog Center in San Pedro de Macoris.  

Do you know a college student looking for the best summer job ever? Honey Creek is now hiring summer camp staff for the 2014 season. Applicants must be high school graduates willing to work hard in a fun environment where they will also serve as good role models for the campers. The priority deadline has been moved back to February 15.

Camp employment dates are June 9-July 26, excluding June 29-July 5, plus a staff weekend in late spring. Kamp Phun, if offered is separate employment.

Honey Creek Staff Application

Honey Creek Staff Application for Returning Staff

Did you know that 77% of consumers or 181 million people in the U.S. have a smartphone and use it as their primary device? These statistics have encouraged the staff at Saint Paul's, Augusta, to implement a mobile application, combined with mobile and online giving. On January 26, 2014, they released their Saint Paul's Church application for both android and apple devices. This application allows a user to look up Sunday's readings, listen to recorded sermons and recorded choir pieces. The application also allows mobile giving and event registration. These features are just the beginning. The staff is able to post newsletters and bulletins, as well as create links to the Online Book of Common Prayer and the congregation's Facebook page. This mobile application links back to the church website when possible to encourages users to explore pages that might not be on the church app. 

  
This application is, of course, free. Parishioners have access to information whenever needed and visitors can explore our church. Users can also give any one-time donations using their mobile device. The Rev. Kelsey Hutto, Assistant Rector, said, "We hope that this step will help make our church easily accessible and allow our parishioners to stay in contact with the church outside of Sunday mornings."

To check out St. Paul's new app, search the app store for "Saint Paul's Church" or scan the QR code:

For more than 50 years, Episcopal Youth and Children Services (EYCS) has worked to help provide need-based college scholarships for undergraduates and financial assistance for children and students in the Diocese of Georgia who might otherwise not be able to go to Summer Camp at Honey Creek, the Episcopal Camp & Conference Center of the Diocese of Georgia. 

Diocesan Canon on EYCS

Giving to EYCS is noted in the Canons of the Diocese of Georgia. The Canon regarding EYCS says, "At the regular service, or on the Sunday immediately preceding or following Thanksgiving Day, an offering shall be taken for the EYCS." Flexibility is also present as the canon also states- "A congregation may elect to place in its budget an item for the support of EYCS...in lieu of taking the special offering." So whether the Sunday after Thanksgiving or anytime during the year, your giving impacts the ability to fund scholarships to students in your parish.

On January 15th the annual EYCS meeting and luncheon was held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Savannah, Georgia. The board president, Cuffy Sullivan, reported "In 2013 the board made available $64,750 for college scholarships and tuition assistance for Honey Creek campers. Honey Creek received $6,475 in accordance with the EYCS by-laws to help 40 youth (20% of the total campers) from 14 congregations throughout the diocese attend summer program at Honey Creek, with an average scholarship of $161 per child. Also, $58,275 in college scholarship funds were awarded to 47 students, with an average scholarship of $1200."

Following the business meeting, Bishop Benhase provided much need inspirations and guidance regarding this important diocesan ministry. He and the Very Rev. William Willoughby celebrated the Eucharist, blessed the group, and welcomed new members.

How You Can Help
Your financial contribution helps tremendously. We welcome donations of any amount at any time throughout the year. Checks should be made out to the EYCS and mailed to 611 East Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31401-1296. Links to safe and secure online giving can be found at http://eycs.georgiaepiscopal.org

God willing and the people consenting, Bishop Benhase will ordain the Rev. Deacon Mollie Roberts to the Sacred Order of Priests at 11 a.m. on February 15 at St. Paul's Albany, where she currently serves. She is a 2013 graduate of the University of the South's School of Theology (Sewanee). Prior to seminary, Roberts was a member of St. Peter's Savannah, where her service included being Senior Warden. At the time of her call, she worked as a Professor of Management at Savannah State University. Roberts has three grown children, two daughters and one son. Clergy wear cassock, surplice and red stoles.

All true car aficionados are currently following the Detroit Auto Show. The latest in design innovations, new models, and the future in cars is revealed. The excitement is followed by all in the industry as well as the media and general public and its impact is measured in large dollar amounts.   

The Diocese of Georgia Cursillo movement will soon host its own new "ROLL OUT". After several years of hiatus and much prayer, deliberation, study, team work and effort the new Cursillo weekend will be held at the Conference Center-Honey Creek- on March 19-23, 2014. Cursillo 118 is planned to be a life enriching experience for participants and will represent a new dawn in how to better live a Christ focused daily life.

Register for this Cursillo weekend online

or print and complete the paper application

The weekend experience is an important part of the new focus, but the true value is anticipated to be in community across the Diocese. Sponsoring parishes, and individual sponsors will be sending, supporting and welcoming back attendees. The long-term fostering of reunion groups to help in living out the 4th day, with true friendships, prayer support, and help in following a rule of life will be the great outgrowth of the new Cursillo.   

Prayers and support are requested for all attendees and staff. Sponsors will be expected to help prepare attendees and to help them establish regular reunion groups after the weekend. These are small sharing groups which meet regularly for mutual accountability.

The weekend is planned to return to the basics of the Cursillo authentic weekend. The worship services, meaningful and well planned talks, time for meditation and peaceful contemplation, rich music, along with fun and fellowship, and as always great food and Honey Creek's environment will bless all who participate.    

All Invited to the Closing 

The parishes of the Diocese, past attendees, sponsors, family members, friends, and truly everyone are invited to be a part of the weekend closing service. The Clausura will begin at 4 pm on Sunday, the 23rd of March. Clausura will be the first time the community needs to be at the weekend because the previous early arrival for wakeup has been changed to allow more weekend program time and to save sleep for others.   

Cursillo in its early years reshaped the Diocese of Georgia... and the congregations who minister in Christ's name. The Cursillo Commission believes that the hard work and discernment done by so many who love and value this way of life will open a new chapter in this method of living. How's that happen? Through a meaningful weekend of activities, learning, worship and preparation for return to home parishes ready to serve and lead. The new Cursillo will be here soon. Come and see. De Colores!

Cursillo Survey

To assist the Commission in its work, all of those who have attended a Cursillo weekend are asked to complete this five-question survey: Cursillo Survery

-The Cursillo Commission

The Sewanee Mission Trip and Pilgrimage offers a one of a kind experience for teens to gain a deeper appreciation for their sense of place in creation, a sense of connection to those whom they may not see on a regular basis and the knowledge that they carry that connection with them through the rest of their lives. Those who are currently enrolled in 9-12 grade are encouraged to join the Pilgrimage and Mission Trip to Sewanee, Tennessee, June 23-30.

Pilgrimage and Mission Trip Coordinator, the Rev. Joshua Varner, "We embark on this mission, not because we will change the world during our 8 or 9 days in Sewanee this coming summer, but because in traveling we will begin to change ourselves, and begin to bring about the dream God has for us and all creation." 

The group will stay in the reflective setting of St. Mary's Sewanee, a retreat center founded by the Episcopal Sisters of St. Mary and will work at the convent and in the surrounding area. The trip will take place June 23-30, 2014, and the approximate cost is $1,000. Financial aid is available for anyone considering trip. Please email Joshua Varner at jvarner75@gmail.com with questions. 

Registration Deadline January 31st

A flyer with more complete information, including contact information on how to follow up, is online here: Pilgrimage and Mission Trip 2014

The registration form is online here: Sewanee Trip Registration

The Christ Church Episcopal Flower Guild invites flower guilds from around the Diocese to join them for a flower arranging workshop and demonstration featuring Gay Estes on Saturday, February 8, 9-11 am. Gay is nationally acclaimed in the flower world as Projects Editor for Flower magazine and is a regular contributor and flower show correspondent, and has lectured for the Garden Club of America as "The Lone Arranger," speaking to garden clubs across the country from Portland to Palm Beach. Gay's arrangements have been chosen by The World Association of Flower Arrangers to be included in their forthcoming book. Gay is the author and illustrator of The Church Ladies Guide to Divine Flower Arranging and the illustrator of the Garden Club of Houston's Perennial Favorites: Portable Food and Seasonal Favorites: Festive Food. Gay began arranging flowers at Christ Church Cathedral in Houston, where she served on the Vestry and Altar Guild and eventually rose to be in charge of Holiday Arrangements. 

The demonstration will be in the church, 28 Bull Street on Johnson Square, Savannah. There is no charge to take part in the workshop and registration is not required. 

Pictured above is the Easter Eucharist at Christ Church with the floral display adding to the celebration of the resurrection.

St. Paul's Jesup hosted that town's annual Unity Worship service to celebrate the life and contribution of Martin Luther King. More than 160 people, including members of five choirs joined together in song and celebration.

Pictured above are some members of the group from Trinity Statesboro that marched in that town's MLK Parade on behalf of the soup kitchen ministry, Rebecca's Café, an ecumenical soup kitchen at which they serve the first Tuesday of each month. Rebecca's Café feeds its patrons every Tuesday, and come March should be in its new location at the old Julia P. Bryant Elementary School cafeteria where it hopes to eventually expand its offerings.

Pictured above is the All Saints' Tybee Island entry in the that community's inaugural Tybee MLK Parade and Human Rights Celebration Parade.

The theme of this years February retreat is "Living the Story." Participants will explore who they are and what do they believe. This retreat is for those who are 14 years of age and older, and are looking to explore who they are as Christians and Episcopalians with other young people in the Diocese. The retreat will be lead by Maggie Bloodworth, Elizabeth Burns, Bishop Benhase, Canon Logue. Those young people seeking confirmation in 2014 are encouraged to attend. 

Register Now for Living the Story

The Southwest Convocation Epiphany Party was held January 23, 2014 at the home of the Rev. Paul and Mrs. Cynthia Hancock. The group welcomed the new rector of St. Thomas, Thomasville, the Rev. Dewayne Varas (at center above) and celebrated Deacon Scott Mithen's birthday. 

This month marks 30 years since the death of the Rev. F. Bland Tucker, the Rector of Christ Church Savannah. Bishop Louttit added Tucker to the roles of those locally observed as saints in this Diocese in 1999.  Louttit observed that in addition to being a pastor, that only two eighteenth century hymn writers-Charles Wesley (who served us also as a priest in Georgia), and Isaac Watts, (a Congregationalist)-have more hymns than Tucker in our present Hymnal 1982. Below are quotations from an article in the Christ Church newsletter the month following his death:

"Bland Tucker's clerical life in Savannah could have been so brief as almost to be forgotten save in church annals, had it not been for his sense of mission and his lack of worldly ambition. He was called to the parish of the Mother Church of Georgia in 1945 after serving as rector of St. John's Church in Georgetown, District of Columbia. A few months after his arrival in Savannah he was faced with a dilemma which, in its resolution, may have resulted in his finest hour. He was offered the bishopric of Western North Carolina. He declined the honor which would have put him in the chair occupied by his father and two brothers, one of whom, Henry St. George Tucker, became the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church. He gave as his reason his commitment to Christ Church and the belief that his new mission was far from complete....His mission at Christ Church continued for 22 years and when he retired in 1967 the Vestry bestowed upon him the title of Rector Emeritus....

"On the Sunday following Bland Tucker's funeral, the Most Rev. John Allin, Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church, was guest preacher and celebret at Christ Church. He digressed from his sermon to make warm and affectionate remarks about the late Rector Emeritus of Christ Church. Bishop Allin recalled to the congregation which filled the church the familiar humorous riposte Doctor Tucker made when asked if he were related to St. George Tucker, then the Presiding Bishop. Doctor Tucker's remark was, 'Yes, distantly. He is the eldest of a family of thirteen children. I am the youngest.'

"...Bland Tucker never permitted himself to be drawn into controversy. Controversy was foreign to his nature. In the Savannah racial unrest in the 1960's there were reports of 'kneel-ins,' when all white churches reportedly were having ushers pass out cards at the entrances which read, in effect, 'We believe you have not come to worship, but to agitate,' while denying the visitor entrance to sanctuaries. Doctor Tucker would have no part of this. He was quoted as saying, 'I would not presume to speculate as to why my own parishioners come to church, much less someone I do not know.' The doors of Christ Church were open to any who wished to enter, then as now.

"In the days before the official adoption of the revised Book of Common Prayer in 1979, Bland Tucker likewise declined to be drawn into the prevailing controversy. In a sermon at Christ Church at the height of the controversy, he reminded the congregation that in 1928 a similar controversy relative to prayer book revision had occurred. He added that he did not support the revision of the Book of Common Prayer in 1928, 'preferring the 1896 prayer book.' His listeners were amused at his frankness. He added that his own father, then a bishop, had also not approved of earlier prayer book changes but when they were sanctioned in official action, he acquiesced stating, 'The church has spoken.'

"....Faith, love, humor, gentleness, humility-that was the essence of the remarkable Bland Tucker, simple parish priest." Tucker died January 1, 1984, and was laid to rest on January 4 at Bonaventure Cemetery, two days before his 89th birthday.

This article is available in its entity in the online archives of the Diocese here:  Bland Tucker, Parish Priest Goes to Heavenly Rest: Age 88 The complete calendar of those listed as local saints for the Diocese of Georgia is online here: Saints of Georgia