Based on frequently asked questions from search committees, Canon Logue updated the Transition Handbook for the Diocese. This is a guide to assist search committees in calling a new priest for their congregation. As with other handbooks, a PDF file of the document is always available online in the Reference Library at the diocesan website. There one also finds: 

• Clergy Handbook - An overview of the norms for the Diocese for its priests and deacons.
• Discernment & Ordination Handbook - For those who feel called to the ministry of deacon or priest and all who assist with the discernment of call, this is a guide to the norms of the Diocese of Georgia for this process.
• Liturgical Customary - The customary for liturgy in the Diocese of Georgia. 
• Policy Manual - The Diocese of Georgia's Policy Manual with information on both lay and ordained employees.

As plans for the upcoming program year are well underway, I'd like to share an idea with the Diocesan community:  Lunch-and-Liturgy.  The primary goal of this Christian formation program is to engage children more fully in worship.  The design is inspired by the writings of Sophia Cavalletti, one of the creators of the Montessori based program, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Lunch-and-Liturgy also grew out of my personal experience as a mother, with younger kids, in a larger congregation. I often observed an unintentional disconnect between the longtime members, who led the vital ministries of Sunday morning worship, and the newer families with younger children.  I wondered, "How can a church bridge the gap between newer families and long-time members in authentic and meaningful ways?  How can the worship experience be more accessible to my own children?"  Thus, Lunch-and-Liturgy was born. 

• If needed, provide a meal. 

• Yes, children should be allowed to carry the antique, silver Eucharistic vessels from the credence table to the sacristy!  Each child attending the Flower Guild workshop can create his/her own flower arrangement, etc.
• At Christ Church, we gathered in the chancel for a Godly Play lesson after lunch.  This is optional, of course, but it gave a nice theological grounding for the liturgical focus of the workshops. The nave remained slightly darkened.  Everyone was asked to enter silently.  Parents sat on the front pews while teens and younger kids (PreK-12th grade) sat in a circle on the floor of the chancel.  In a very calm, Godly Play manner, I gave the lesson of The Circle of the Holy Eucharist at one gathering and Holy Baptism at another.  (The teens were reassured they were helpers-we have really flexible teens at Christ Church!) After the Godly Play lesson, everyone attended a workshop.

• At Christ Church, our three Lunch-and-Liturgy experiences culminated in a Youth Sunday where kids and teens participated in their chosen ministry area.  The altar was set by Kindergarteners; the flowers arranged by elementary and middle school kids.  Children and teens joined the choir as full members, singing along with the service music and anthem.  At St. George's the VBS culminated in a Sunday morning service where the kids did their "jobs" in the liturgy.  My own son, who was an active eight-year-old at the time, had never been so excited to get to church.  He could not wait to put on his "Usher" badge.
• Youth Sunday is not an original idea.  However, adults who were not previously involved commented that the Children and Youth Sunday that grew out of Lunch-and-Liturgy felt much more authentic than past experiences.  The children were enthusiastic and prepared (and two very talented seniors gave an excellent sermon), but there was a greater sense of incorporation in the weekly liturgical practices, instead of a school program vibe.  The children and youth were very positive because they had chosen their roles and practiced-there was a great amount of focus and attention.

Courtyard by Marriott Historic District
415 West Liberty Street, Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 790-8287

Hampton Inn Savannah Historic District
201 East Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 231-9700

To reserve a room, dial the hotel's Front Desk Agents directly at (912) 231-9700 and refer to the groups block code (EDC) to ensure proper room rates. You may also register online here:  Register for Hampton Inn with the convention rate.

The last day to secure a reservation at the quoted discounted room rates is 10/12/15, or when the block of rooms is booked.

Holiday Inn Express Savannah Historic District
199 East Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 231-9000

To reserve a room, dial the hotel's Front Desk Agents directly at (912) 231-9000 and refer to the group block code (EPI) to ensure proper room rates. You may also register online here:  Register for Holiday Inn Express with the convention rate.

The last day to secure a reservation at the quoted discounted room rates is 10/12/15, or when the block of rooms is booked.

SpringHill Suites Savannah Downtown/Historic District
150 Montgomery Street, Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 629-5300