COMING EVEN

Ordination of Jeannie Martinez-Jantz to the Priesthood   - Jan. 5, 11 a.m., Leeds Episcopal Church, Markham, Va.

Diocesan School Spring Semester begins - Jan. 12

“Energizing Parish Life”  -Jan. 16, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Duncan Center

"Let Justice Roll” interfaith conference   - Jan. 19, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Toussaint L’Overture High School, Delray Beach

Diocesan Offices closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day  - Jan. 21

Parish Finance & Assessment hearings   - Jan. 29-31

Wardens & Treasurers Workshop   - Feb. 9, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Trinity Cathedral, Miami

ECW Sunday Service    -  Feb. 10, 4 p.m., All Saints, Ft. Lauderdale

Clergy Retreat    -  Feb. 11-14, Our Lady of Florida, Lantana

Absalom Jones Services   - Feb. 16, 10 a.m., Historic St. Agnes, Miami; Feb. 16, 10 a.m., St. Paul’s, Delray Beach

Bishop’s Spring Conference  - Feb. 29-Mar. 1, Duncan Center

Chrism Eucharist & Renewal of Ordination Vows  - Mar. 18, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Trinity Cathedral, Miami

Clergy and Clergy Spouses Cruise    - Mar. 24-28

Retired Clergy Luncheon   - Mar. 25, 10:30 a.m.-1 pm., Duncan Center

Presiding Bishop’s visit  - Apr. 15-17, details TBA

Diocesan Acolyte Festival   -   Apr. 19, St. Martin’s, Pompano Beach

ECW Annual Meeting   - Apr. 25-26, details TBA

Diocesan 12-Step Retreat   - May 2-4, Duncan Center

Cursillo Sunday    - May 4

Women’s Cursillo   - Jul. 17-20, Duncan Center

Men’s Cursillo  -   Sept. 25-28, Duncan Center

A football challenge to benefit Katrina recovery in Louisiana--The Episcopal Dioceses of Southern Ohio and Louisiana have found a way to make sure everyone comes out a winner--regardless of the score--when the Ohio State Buckeyes take on the Louisiana State University Tigers at the BCS National Championship Game on Jan. 7. For each touchdown scored by the Buckeyes, Southern Ohio’s Bishop Thomas E. Breidenthal has pledged to donate $250 to support the “Bundles of Hope” recovery efforts in the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana, and he has challenged the people of his diocese—and other Buckeye fans and Episcopalians around the country—to participate in the fun and the support. (You can even donate in support of the Tigers!) After the game, you can donate safely and securely online at www.edola.org/bundlesofhope.php  or send your check directly to the Diocese of Louisiana at Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana, P.O. Box 5026, Baton Rouge, LA 70821. For more on the “Bundles of Hope” program, go to www.edola.org/bundlesofhope.php. Click here for more information on the Win-Win Buckeye Challenge.

Diocesan School -- The Spring Semester of the Diocesan School for Christian Studies begins Jan. 12. Three new courses will be offered this semester: "Spiritual Direction: Giving and Receiving," taught by Dr. Mary Sharon Riley; "Women of the Bible," taught by the Rev. Pat Masterman; and "Resolving Conflict in the Church," taught by the Rev. Dr. James P. Jones. Go to http://www.diosef.org/ and click on the " Diocesan School " link for catalog information; schedule and course descriptions are on pp. 17-23. Registration is available at www.diosef.org/register.html.

Wardens and Treasurers Conference—The annual Wardens and Treasurers Conference will be held Feb. 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.(no lunch provided) at Trinity Cathedral, Miami. This is an important opportunity for parish officers and clergy to receive essential information about vestry responsibilities, parish budgeting, sound financial practices, insurance and tools for church growth. It’s especially important for new parish leaders to attend, but because there are often new regulations and practices to explain, even seasoned parish officers are also urged to be there. There’s no charge for this event. Registration is available online at www.diosef.org/register.html. Click here for a complete agenda for the day.

Bishop’s Spring Conference—Registration is now available online at www.diosef.org/register.html for the Bishop’s Spring Conference, Feb. 29-Mar. 1, 2008, at the Duncan Center. The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, bishop of North Carolina, and his diocesan missioner for Congregational Development: Stewardship and Evangelism, William E. Wrenn, will be the facilitators, and the conference theme will be “Creating a Spirit of Generosity”. In break-out sessions there will be presentations tailored specifically for small, medium and large churches, as well as for Hispanic and Haitian congregations. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Click here for a complete agenda for the day.

“Energizing Parish Life”—This training session for parish leaders in the process of appreciative inquiry will be offered Jan. 16, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Duncan Center. The cost is $55 per person, including lunch. To register, call Veneta at 561-496-4130 or email vlorraine@duncancenter.org

“Let Justice Roll”—Rabbi Michael Lerner, author of the book The Left Hand of God, will be the keynote speaker at “Let Justice Roll”, a January interfaith conference to address election-year issues from a spiritual perspective. The conference, sponsored by the Network of Spiritual Progressives of Palm Beach County, will be held Jan. 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Toussaint L'Ouverture High School for Arts and Social Justice, 2501 N. Seacrest Blvd., Delray Beach. St. Gregory’s, Boca Raton, is a co-sponsor of the conference.A pre-registration fee of $15 (by Jan. 11, 2008) includes the day-long conference and a kosher box lunch. Mail checks or money orders, payable to “NSP,” for $15.00 and enclose self-addressed and stamped envelope for receipt to: Tom Tift, Conference Chair, Let Justice Roll,P.O. Box 272965, Boca Raton, FL 33427-2965. Those who are not able to pre-register may register at the door for $20.  For more information go to http://www.nsppbc.org/Flyer.html

Rabbi Lerner at Trinity Cathedral - Rabbi Lerner is also scheduled to speak at Trinity Cathedral, Miami, on Jan. 17; doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the lecture starts at 7 p.m. Lerner's presentation will address the strategy of generosity versus the strategy of domination as it applies to the war in Iraq. A donation of $20 is suggested, payable at the door, or you can mail a check for $20, payable to NSP, to Ray Armstrong 8700 N. Kendall Dr., Ste 215, Miami, FL 33176-2206.

Clergy Retreat—The annual clergy retreat will be held Feb. 11-14 at Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center, 1300 US1 in North Palm Beach, beginning with registration Monday, Feb. 11 at 4 p.m. and concluding with lunch on Thursday, Feb. 14. The retreat leader will be the Rev. Canon Anthony Jemmott, rector of St. George’s Anglican Church in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. (For information on Canon Jemmott go to http://www.stgeorgesoshawa.org/.) A contribution of $50 is requested from each participant; the balance of the cost is covered by the diocese. Clergy have received an email from Bishop Frade with additional information about the retreat, and registration is available online. Click here for an agenda.

Absalom Jones Services--The Rt. Rev. Nathan D. Baxter, bishop of Central Pennsylvania, will be the preacher for the 2008 diocesan Absalom Jones Service, scheduled for Feb. 16, at 10 a.m., at Historic St. Agnes, Miami. As is customary, the service will be followed by a luncheon. For additional information, contact Kathleen Walker at kathywalker001@gmail.com. For those in the northern part of the diocese who might not be able to travel to Miami for that service, an additional Absalom Jones Service will be held—also at 10 a.m. on Feb. 16—at St. Paul’s, Delray Beach. The preacher for that service will be Dr. Judy Fentress-Williams, assistant professor of Old Testament at Virginia Theological Seminary.

Presiding Bishop’s visit--Save the dates Apr. 15-17, 2008, for the visit of Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori to our diocese. Planning is underway for several events that will allow as many people as possible to talk and to worship with her. Watch for announcements in Grapevine and The Net.

Flood relief in Dominican Republic—As Bishop Holguin reported to our Diocesan Convention, thousands of people in our companion diocese of the Dominican Republic have been left homeless by the flooding caused by Hurricane Noel the last weekend in October. Last month the unexpected late season Tropical Storm Olga also hit DR, causing additional flooding, some loss of life and more destruction of homes and crops. Contributions to help the Episcopal Church in the Dominican Republic minister to those suffering from the effects of the storm can be sent to the Dominican Development Group at P.O. Box 661, Ellenton, FL 34222.

Cursillo Sunday—The date for Cursillo Sunday, formerly observed in October, has been moved to the first Sunday in May. It’s not too soon for cursillistas to begin planning how they might use Sunday, May 4, to celebrate the Cursillo Movement in their parishes and encourage fellow parishioners who have not been part of Cursillo to experience a Cursillo weekend.

Minority Student Assistance—A diocesan committee has been formed to address the need to recruit more black and Hispanic persons in our diocese for the ordained ministry. If you are interested in participating in this work, either with raising funds to assist minority students with the cost of seminary education or with mentoring persons of color and/or of Hispanic/Latino background seeking ordination, contact the Rev. Dr. Ronald Fox, 305-945-1461 or stbernard@bellsouth.net.

VTS scholarship fund for black students--The Virginia Theological Seminary has announced the Bishop Payne Scholarship Fund, an award of full tuition for any full or part-time black student who is an Episcopalian from a province within the Episcopal Church USA and who is entering the Master in Divinity, Master in Theological Studies, Master of Arts in Christian Education, Anglican Studies or Full-time Special Student programs. To apply for the Bishop Payne Scholarship, contact the Office of Admissions at 703-461-1706. Initially, the Bishop Payne Scholarship program will be offered to entering students for two academic years: 2009-2009 and 2009-2010. Students enrolling in these years will receive the scholarship for the duration of their study. Additionally, the Seminary offers a generous financial aid package to those who are eligible.

Bejing Circles gathering—In conjunction with the 2008 meeting of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) the Bejing Circles movement is convening a meeting Feb. 25-Mar. 2, 2008, at the Episcopal Church Center in New York for women who want to learn more about issues affecting women globally and how to bring about needed changes. Click here for details, or contact Anita Sherman, who is involved in the planning for this event: shermanhome@bellsouth.net. 

National Episcopal Mental Health Ministries conference--National Episcopal Health Ministries (NEHM) announces its first annual conference, “Seasons of Health Ministry” to be held at Kanuga Episcopal Retreat Center March 27-29. The conference will feature keynote speaker Rev. Jean Denton, founder of NEHM and author of “Good is the Flesh: Body, Soul and Christian Faith.” There will be a variety of workshops offered throughout the conference to help you start, grow and refresh health ministry/parish nursing. To learn more, visit http://www.episcopalhealthministries.org/ or call 317-253-1277 ext. 34. NEHM is a network of nurses, health ministers, chaplains, and laypeople who promote health and wellness in Episcopal congregations.

Fellowship Partners Program--The Episcopal Church Foundation is accepting applications for 2008 for its Fellowship Partners Program. The Fellowship Partners Program awards both academic and transformational ministry fellowships, and enables fellows to share their knowledge, experience, and best practices with the wider Church in practical ways. The emphasis is on partnerships that will have important impact in their local communities and beyond, and enhance lay and clergy leadership formation. There are three fellowships available ranging from $5,000-$15,000. The application deadline is March 15, 2008. Recipients will be announced in May, 2008. Full details and online applications are available on the Foundation's website (http://www.episcopalfoundation.org) or by calling 800-697-2858.

Florida Episcopal Federal Credit Union—Parishioners of all churches in the Dioceses of Florida, Southeast, Southwest, and Central Florida, as well as employees of those dioceses and their churches, schools, retirement centers and retreat and conference centers, are eligible for membership in the Florida Episcopal Federal Credit Union (FEFCU). FEFCU offers savings and checking accounts, home and automobile loans, ATM cards and VISA cards. For information, go to www.fedfcu.org, or call (407) 423-3189 or (800) 548-9301 or email general@fedfcu.org.

Bishop Gray Inn Foundation--Scholarship funds are available from the Bishop Gray Inn Foundation to Episcopalians 62 and older who have been active parishioners in any of the three dioceses that were part of the former Diocese of South Florida, and who have very limited assets and income. Visit the BGI website, http://www.bgifoundation.com, for additional information on what’s offered by the Foundation and details of the qualifications for assistance, or contact Ginger Van Valkenburgh, Bishop Gray Inns Foundation, 319 Raintree Court, Winter Park, Fla. 32789, 407-644-9866, gvanvalkenburgh@earthlink.net.

 

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CLICK HERE TO VIEW UPCOMING PARISH EVENTS

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CLERGY CHANGES

Harris, The Rev. Anne  - Ordained to the transitional diaconate 12/22/07.

Hostetter, The Rev.  Jane   - Ordained to the vocational diaconate 12/15/07.

Jarrett, The Rev. John - Completed contract as priest-in-charge, St. Anne’s, Hallandale; continuing at St. Andrew’s, Hollywood.

Jessup, The Rev. Elaine - Ordained to the vocational diaconate 12/22/07.

Tobias, Gwendolyn -   Ordained to the transitional diaconate 12/22/07.

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Parishes in Transition:

St. Mark the Evangelist, Ft. Lauderdale—Fr. Gary Hamp, interim; receiving names

Holy Trinity, West Palm Beach—Call issued, pending final negotiations.

St. Christopher’s, Key Biscayne— Call issued, pending final negotiations.

St. Andrew’s, Miami—Fr. Gary Verell, interim; beginning search process

Guardian Angels, Lantana—Fr. David Kennedy, interim; search process continuing

Transfiguration, Miami Gardens—Fr. Tom Shepherd, interim

St. Faith’s, Cutler Bay—Fr. Cyril White, supply.

St. Anne’s, Hallandale—Fr. John Jarrett III completed contract as priest-in-charge; beginning transition process.

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F.Y.I.—Information from our Parishes and Around the Church

On Jan. 4 St. Andrew’s, Lake Worth, will begin a series of four lectures with the overall theme, “Beyond the Da Vinci Code: Can Recent Scholarly Discoveries Help Us Interpret Sacred Texts?”  The Jan. 4 lecture, by Dan Alvarez, instructor of Religious Studies at Florida International University, will focus on “The Role of Women in the Early Church.” The 50 minute lecture will take place at 7 pm and will be preceded by a community potluck supper at 6. Both the supper and the lecture are free and open to the public. Click here for information on the series and the topics of subsequent lectures. For more information, call St. Andrew’s Church at 561-582-6609.

POSTPONED St. David's, Wellington, will host a youth dance on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008, from 7-11 p.m., at the Special Events Tent at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club, 14440 Pierson Road, Wellington. The event will include dinner and dancing under the stars, with both a live band and a DJ. All youth groups in the diocese are encouraged to attend. There will be a photographer, a raffle and great opportunities to gather with your friends from all around the diocese!  Tickets are $15 per person, and proceeds will benefit the St. David's Youth Outreach Fund.  One chaperone must accompany every five youth members. For tickets and additional information call the parish office at 561-793-1976.  POSTPONED

On Sunday, Jan. 27, at 4 p.m., St. Andrew’s, Lake Worth, will present the Lynn String Quartet in a program of Beethoven and Mendelssohn. The quartet is comprised of accomplished young artists from Romania, Korea, Turkey and Brazil. The concert will be followed by a wine and cheese reception with the artists. Tickets for the concert and reception are priced at $20 for adults and $10 for students under 18. For tickets and information call 561-582-6609.

On Jan. 27 Church of the Intercession, Ft. Lauderdale, will sponsor a barbecue from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Tickets are $8; to reserve your ticket or for more information call JoAnn Smith, 954-298-5006, or the church office, 954-763-5986 (during normal business hours). Most tickets will be sold in advance, with a limited number available at the door.

St. James in-the-Hills, Hollywood , will offer a 15-day course in Christianity, the Alpha program, beginning on Wednesday, Jan. 30, at 7 p.m. in the Parish Hall.  There will be food and fellowship during each session.  For information please contact St. James at (954) 987-2203 or email froaddison@bellsouth.net

On Sunday Feb. 3, 2008, St. Mark’s, Palm Beach Gardens, will host the Rev. Jane Sigloh, author of Like Trees Walking: In the Second Half of Life, as guest preacher and for an adult forum on “Growing Old isn’t for the Weak!”  Her book and talks interweave insights of Scripture, poetry, fiction and philosophy into her memories and reflections on the challenges and opportunities that maturity brings. Many of us in the "golden years" of retirement wonder with fear--and hope--what the future holds for us. You won't find a better companion for the journey of aging than Jane Sigloh. She's witty, perceptive, and wise. A retired Episcopal priest, she is possessed of both reverent awe and irreverent honesty about the facts and fantasies of growing old. For more information call St. Mark’s, 561-622-0956.

The Marafiki Global AIDS Ministry will hold its third annual fund-raising golf tournament April 26, beginning at 11 a.m., at Pompano Municipal Golf Course, 1101 N. Federal Highway, Pompano Beach. The fee is $100 ($400 for a foursome); checks should be made payable to Marafiki and mailed to: Marafiki Global AIDS Ministry, Inc., P.O. Box 667645, Pompano Beach, FL 33066. Click here for complete details and a downloadable registration form, which must be submitted with your check by Apr. 2.For additional information on the golf tournament call 954-657-1706. For more information on the work of Marafiki Global AIDS Ministry, go to www.marafikiglobalaidsministry.com.

St. Margaret’s, Miami Lakes, is looking for a part time administrative assistant for the church office; should have strong computer skills and must be bilingual (English/Spanish). The office is open Monday-Thursday and the working hours would be 9 a.m.-2 p.m. If interested please email resume to office@stmargaretsepiscopal.org, send it by fax to (305) 362-7359 or contact the rector, the Rev. Denise Hudspeth, at the parish office (305) 558-3961.

St. Thomas, Coral Gables, is renovating its chapel and has 12 oak pews in excellent condition to give away. The pews are nine feet long and 24 inches deep, but could be cut to other sizes. If you have—or know of—a need for these pews, call the office at St. Thomas, 305-661-3436.

The Chapel of the Good Shepherd at The Crossings (formerly Bishop Gray Inn) in Lake Worth has a number of lectionary books (pre-Revised Common Lectionary) and hymnals to give away in preparation for switching to the Revised Common Lectionary on the First Sunday of Advent, Dec. 2. Click here for a list of what’s available. Call Fr. Bob Carlson at 561-357-5591 for additional information or to make arrangements to pick up any of these items.

Church of the Atonement, Lauderdale Lakes, is seeking a part-time organist/choir director. Call the church office at 954-731-6100 for information, or send resume to Church of the Atonement, 4401 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Lauderdale Lakes, FL  33313.

St. Joseph’s, Boyton Beach, is seeking a full-time youth minister.  Salary based on experience, with individual medical and pension benefits. For complete job description go to:  www.stjosephboyntonbeach.org.

 

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Additional Events and Opportunities
(click on links below for more information!)

• Faith Formation Summit 2008
• The Summer Collegium 2008 (conference on small church ministry) - at Virginia
  Theological Seminary
• "Everyone Everywhere" World Mission Conference, June 5-8, 2008
• Personal Spiritual Deepening Program from Shalem Institute
• DMin Program at Sewanee

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