December 19, 2018
Volume 9, Number 17
Guillermo Arboleda Named Rector at St. Matthew's
The Rev. Guillermo Arboleda was called more than two years ago to serve St. Matthew's Savannah as Priest-in-Charge. Earlier this week the church's vestry voted to accept a new letter of agreement naming Arboleda the sixth rector of the parish effective January 1. Today Bishop Benhase, Senior Warden Sheila Jones, and A rboleda signed that agreement. 

In a letter sent to parishioners earlier this week announcing the news, Arboleda said, "We can see the fruit that God is bearing among us already and we want that to grow."

A graduate of Messiah College and Duke University Divinity School,  Arboleda was ordained to the priesthood on May 21, 2016, and St. Matthew's is his first call as a priest. He previously served for one year as a lay pastor and deacon at St. George's in Windsor Forest, Savannah. He completed his entire ordination process in the Diocese of Georgia and his sponsoring parish was the Collegiate Church of St. Paul the Apostle, Savannah.

Arboleda is married to the Rev. Kelly Steele, Associate Rector at St. Peter's Savannah.
In This Issue
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This Sunday's Lections
Fourth Sunday of Advent 
Micah 5:2-5a
Hebrews 10:5-10
Luke 1:39-45, (46-55)
Canticle 15 (or 3)

Go  here for the full text.
Bishop Benhase will lead a seven-part Bible study of St. Paul's Letter to the Romans for the entire Diocese of Georgia as part of the Good Book Club, a church-wide Bible reading initiative begun by Forward Movement.

The Bishop's study will be held on Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 AM beginning January 9 at St. Peter's Church on Skidaway Island, Savannah. It will also be broadcast each week live here: www.facebook.com/georgiaepiscopal from January 9 through the last session on February 20.

Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry supports and encourages individuals and congregations to join the Good Book Club as a way to engage in "Learn," one of the seven Way of Love practices for a Jesus-centered life.

Members of the Savannah Convocation are encouraged to participate in the Bishop's Bible study in person. Space will be limited, so please register by going here: http://bit.ly/BibleStudywiththeBishop
The Good Book Club website lists the daily readings as well as resources to support people as they read the scriptures. Spanish resources and information are available at clubbiblico.org.
Diocese Sponsors Broadcast of Lessons and Carols
To download or read a copy of the service bulletin, go here. 
The Episcopal Diocese of Georgia will again partner with the Diocese of Atlanta to co-sponsor the Georgia Public Radio broadcast of A Festival  of Nine Lessons and Carols from Kings College Cambridge on Monday, December 24 at 10 a.m. Find your local station on the radio by going  here or listen online  here

A Brief History of the Service 
In 1918, the then-new dean of King's Chapel, 34-year-old Eric Milner-White, wanted to try something innovative and beyond the standard liturgy of the Church of England. He wove together scripture and song, called on readers of various ages from school and town, and made up this truly magical progression that carries us from prophecy to fulfillment, from Old Testament foretelling to a birthday celebration. 

The  service was first broadcast in 1928 and, with the exception   of 1930, has been broadcast annually, even during World War II, when the ancient glass (and also all heat) had been removed from the Chapel.  The opening carol is always 'Once in Royal David's City', and there is always a new, specially commissioned carol. This year  Michael Berkeley wrote   for the liturgy.

From the Bidding Prayer 
"And because this of all things would rejoice his heart, let us at this time remember in his name the poor and the helpless, the cold, the hungry and the oppressed; the sick in body and in mind and them that mourn; the lonely and the unloved; the aged and the little children; all who know not the Lord Jesus, or who love him not, or who by sin have grieved his heart of love."

Bishop Knocks on the Door of Trinity Statesboro
In 1907, Georgia Southern University provided the first meeting space for what was to become St. George's, then Trinity Church in Statesboro. An official mission began in 1937 with the first building at Northside Drive and Lee Street still in use today by another congregation. Trinity was the Rev. Henry Louttit's first call out of seminary and when the new building was consecrated in 2000, he officiated at the service because by  then he was Bishop of Georgia.

Trinity is known for two longtime ministries: the Benefit Performance Series and Rebecca's Cafe. The series originated 17 years ago as a showcase for local talent and funds raised are donated to local organizations like the Humane Society and Habitat for Humanity.

Rebecca's Cafe began when a parishioner suggested working on food insecurity in the community. "We formed a board and at the time it was just our parish doing the ministry," said the Rev. Joan Kilian, Rector. "The first time, eight people showed up." Today, after several moves and a temporary hiatus when the meeting space was closed due to a hurricane, there are ten other churches and organizations that provide meals served twice a week, all year, to an average of 90 people.

A challenge and joy of the congregation is reflected in the ever-changing congregation of a university town. "Our congregation changes as people come and go," said Kilian, who said some are surprised to learn that they leave the sanctuary open. "Our doors are always open for all people," she said.


Following the service on Sunday those who were received, confirmed or recognized gathered with the Bishop, the Rector, organist and their sponsors. Second row, from left: Jeff Mortimore (confirmed); Josh McMains (sponsor); Fred Richter (sponsor); Minette Ugorji (sponsor); Alison Lyall (sponsor); Bishop Benhase; Gennevieve Wright (recognized for her 12 years of acolyting and leadership); the Rev. Steve Darby, Deacon; Jonathan Murphy (received); Lynn Wright, Trinity's organist; the Very Rev. Joan Kilian, Rector; Dennis Baker (confirmed); Kyle Hancock (sponsor);front row, from left: Heather Lyall (confirmed); Lissa Leege (received); Frank D'Arcangelo (received); Austin Wheaton, Thom Mortimore, and 
Dorothy Mortimore, acolytes; Amanda Wall (received); Renae Baker (received) and Mary Marwitz (sponsor)
Around the Diocese

Carolers at Grace Church Waycross earlier this week.

GeorgeAnne Youngner (left) and Savannah Young check out new pillows for the Lodge rooms donated by   St. Mary's Guild at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Brunswick.

Toys gathered for donation by parishioners at King of Peace, Kingsland.

The caroling event at the Church of St. Paul the Apostle, Savannah included transportation via Victorian trolley through Savannah and a stop to see the gingerbread creations at the Westin Hotel.
Reminder About Tithes
The final tithes are due by the end of this year. Call the office with any questions: 912-236-4279.
Plan Now for CreekFEST this February 15-17
CreekFEST began with a mission to get all those of us around the Diocese who appreciate and love The Creek together. We worship, play games, eat yummy food, sing, tell stories, relax, and enjoy time together, all while celebrating the place that brings us joy and peace. This is still the mission of CreekFEST, and we hope you will consider making this weekend a family event, so mark your calendars! 

Registration includes lodging, meals, a 
t-shirt, and events. 

This year, we'll be entertained by the Dusty Roads Band on Saturday evening.
Winter Youth Retreat at Honey Creek - January 11-13
Jesus said to his disciples, "Come away by yourselves and rest a while" (Mark 6:31). 

Between exams, the holidays, travel, and all the other things that December brings, January is often a time when we truly need a time of rest. Come to Honey Creek January 11-13 to relax, tell stories, gather around the fire, and experience the Light coming into the world.

This retreat, coordinated by the Rev. Amy Bradley and Canon Joshua Varner, will offer time to relax, time to tell and listen to stories, and time to play together. The retreat is for g rades 6-12. The c ost is $115 (after January 4 cost is $125). Contact your priest and/or our Canon Missioner for Children and Youth, the Rev. Canon Joshua Varner for scholarship assistance:
Prayers for Weekly Liturgies
Our one-year prayer cycle combines prayers for every congregation in the Diocese of Georgia with prayers for our ecumenical partners and for our Companion Diocese of The Dominican Republic. The 52 weekly prayers are available in one document   found here. 

December 16-22
In our diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for Diocesan Youth Programs, Columba House Savannah, and our Episcopal Campus Ministries at Valdosta State, Georgia Southern and Augusta Universities. We also pray for our ecumenical partners, especially those in Springfield St. Paul's Lutheran Church and St. Boniface Catholic Church. In our companion diocese of the Dominican Republic, we pray for Jesus the Master (Jesús Maestro) in Tamboril.

December 23-29
In our diocesan prayer cycle, we pray for Honey Creek for the Order of St. Helena and all religious order in the Episcopal Church. We also pray for our ecumenical partners, especially the Catholic congregations of Our Lady of Guadelupe in Sandhill, San José in Twin Lakes, Holy Redeemer in McRae, and Holy Cross in Pembroke. In our companion diocese of the Dominican Republic, we pray for Diocese of the Dominican Republic Parochial Schools.

Additional Prayer Cycles
We also offer 30-day prayer cycles for those who wish to pray daily for the clergy and clergy spouses:  Diocesan Prayer Cycle and Clergy Spouses Prayer Cycle.
Diocesan Office Update and News
Bishop Scott Anson Benhase  will make his annual visitation to St. Michael's Waynesboro at 10 AM, Sunday, December 23rd. The bishop's  full schedule is available 
here

The Rev. Hunt Priest, Rector of St. Peter's Church, Savannah, will preach and officiate at the noon Thursday Eucharist at Diocesan House this week.

Diocesan offices will be closed December 24-26 and January 31-1.
Lighting the candle at St. Paul's Augusta.
Events 

Bishop's Bible Study
Wednesdays 10 to 11 AM beginning January 9th and ending February 20th
St. Peter's Savannah or online at  facebook.com/georgiaepiscopal
Register for the in-person sessions by going here:  

Winter Youth Retreat
January 11-13, 2019
Honey Creek

Diocesan Council 
Saturday, January 12, 2019
Annunciation, Vidalia

Happening #101
January 31 (for staff) through Sunday, February 3
Staff register here, candidates  here
Honey Creek Retreat Center

CreekFest
February 15-17
Honey Creek Retreat Center
Register  here.

Commission on Ministry and Standing Committee Weekend
March 8-9
Diocesan House, Savannah

Happening #102
Thursday, April 11 (for staff) through Sunday, April 14, 2019
Honey Creek Retreat Center

Diocesan Council

May 17-18
Augusta

Diocesan Youth Mission Trip
July 13-20, 2019
Happening #103
Thursday, August 22 (for staff) through Sunday, August 25
Honey Creek Retreat Center

Diocesan Council
September 13-14
Savannah
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