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Engaging in Mission Far Away and Closer to Home
 Hometown Missions brought 50 teens together from more than 10 different congregations across the Diocese for a mission experience in Augusta that included both an international focus and local needs. The focus for the weekend was on living the great Commandment to Love God and Love Neighbor. On Friday evening at the Church of the Good Shepherd, the teens packed just over 10,000 meals in two an a half hours, in partnership with
Rise Against Hunger (
pictured in the banner above). These meals, made up of dried protein, rice, beans, and nutritional supplements, will be sent to feed people in Haiti and other countries.
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| Reflecting on the work on Saturday. |
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The 50 participants fanned out on Saturday to ten different worksites, including the Flowing Wells campus of Episcopal Day School, the Church of the Holy Comforter, Christ Episcopal Church, the Augusta Canal, St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, Family Promise of Augusta, St. Stephen's Ministry for persons who are HIV positive, as well as several private homes. That evening, the group gathered at the Kroc Center for a supper and a pool party, before returning to Good Shepherd for Compline and a good night's sleep. The weekend wrapped up on Sunday with clean up, a debrief on the participants' experience of the weekend, and attending the 10 AM Eucharist at Good Shepherd. In reflecting on Hometown Missions, the teenagers' consensus was a strong desire to do more of this work, gathering with teens from other congregations to reach out in love to those in need in the communities where we worship.
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I Samuel 3:1-10(11-20)
Psalm 139:1-5, 12-17
2 Corinthians 4:5-12
Mark 2:23-3:6
OR
Deuteronomy 5:12-15
Psalm 81:1-10
2 Corinthians 4:5-12
Mark 2:23-3:6
Go
here for the full text.
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Working Toward General Convention
This week, our Bishop, Deputies, and Alternates to the General Convention are meeting at Kanuga in Hendersonville, NC, with deputations from the Southeast United States in preparation for the General Convention of the Episcopal Church. They will receive the budget, elect a lay representative to the Executive Council, and more.
 The once every three years' Convention is the governing body of The Episcopal Church. It is a bicameral legislature that includes the House of Deputies, with more than 800 members (up to four clergy and four lay persons from each diocese), and the House of Bishops, with more than 300 active and resigned bishops.
The 2018 meeting will convene in Austin, Texas for a nine-day legislative session (July 5 -July 13, 2018).
Issues getting a lot of attention in advance of the convention are a possible revision to the Book of Common Prayer, a proposed salary for the President of the House of Deputies, and both a pastoral response to #MeToo focusing on listening, liturgy, and steps for healing, as well as possible related legislative steps.
The work of General Convention includes adopting legislation of concern to the Church; amending the Book of Common Prayer, the Constitution, and the Canons of the Church; adopting a triennial budget for The Episcopal Church; and electing candidates to offices, boards and other committees.
News from the Diocese of Georgia Deputation will be reported here in From the Field and found online at
gc2018.georgiaepiscopal.org
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Register for the Acolyte Festival coming in August
 Acolytes from across the Diocese of Georgia are converging on St. Anne's Tifton for a fun weekend of games and skill-building on August 11-12. We will be offering multiple training opportunities for Acolytes of every age from Grade 3 through Grade 12. Those breakout sessions will take place during Saturday morning and early afternoon. Saturday evening will be a fun activity, and we will join in St. Anne's Sunday worship service on August 12.
The Acolyte Festival is one of the only events we currently offer during the year that is geared for children in grades 3-5 as well as older youth. Please encourage both your young Acolytes as well as their older colleagues to come and get to know acolytes from other congregations, and perhaps pick up a few tips on how to walk, talk, and swing firepots around in the air!
Acolytes are asked to arrive on Saturday morning, August 11, and bring their vestments for Sunday and a congregational banner for Sunday's mornings festival procession. Cost: $50 (Late registration, after August 1, $60)
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St. John's Savannah Launches Podcast
 Giving potential newcomers a way to experience St. John's before visiting and connecting to existing members led St. John's Savannah to launch a new Podcast of their Sunday readings and sermon. They had for some months offered complete service recordings made available at www.stjohnssav.org. They recently launched a separately recorded podcast on Podbean, which is available globally on demand and as a push to personal devices.
The Vestry hopes new podcast will:
- Add significant value in their outreach to newcomers and guests who can now find St. John's and "experience" some of St. John's online.
- Offer someone who attends the 8 AM or noon services, which do not have a sermon, an opportunity to listen to the sermon from the 10:30 service.
- Reach people when away, or who never attend in person, as one can listen from anywhere and at any time. Recordings can be "pushed" to personal devices.
- Give a chance for someone who misses a 10:30 service or just wants to listen again to what they heard, as the podcast can be replayed as often as desired.
 To use this service, download the Podbean app to an Apple iOS or Google Android device, create a free account and then search for "St. John's Church Savannah". Once downloaded choose from available recordings.
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The Administrator's Corner
New Program to Reduce Hurricane Deductibles
 Hurricanes Matthew and Irma were a learning opportunity for our coastal congregations as it pertains to Church Insurance coverage in the event of named storms. For some of our congregations, there is a 5% high deductible (per valued building- against the value of the building) associated with damages incurred by a hurricane. This calculation amounted to a deductible greater than $20K for many of churches. The financial burden and challenge was expressed, not only by the Diocese of Georgia, but also by other dioceses impacted by the deductible to Church Insurance. In response to feedback, Church Insurance has developed to two new opportunities.
Churches impacted by the opportunity have received two letters on the subject:
Letter 1: RE-Hurricane Deductible and Saving Options 2018
Church Insurance Vermont is offering the chance to reduce current hurricane/ flood deductibles. The reduction for some is from 5% to 2%. The decrease is subject to a 6% rate charge increase. This rate increase can be offset through the participation in a new contractor management solution called Alacrity.
Letter 2: RE-Contractor Management Solution/ 3% Rate Discount
Alacrity is a program to assist churches work with pre-approved contractors available in the event of catastrophic property loss. During unforeseen catastrophes, it can be challenging identifying, selecting, and managing all the associated contractors required to complete major projects. The Alacrity program vets contractors for quality, pricing, and safety. Participation in Alacrity will result in a 3% reduction in premiums.
Next Steps
If you've received either of these letters, please reach out to Church Insurance as soon as possible at 800-293-3525. The Diocese is recommending that you take both actions and accept the deductible reduction and join the Alacrity program. For any questions of concerns, please reach out to Canon Willoughby at
kwilloughby@gaepiscopal.org.
Be on the lookout for more information about how to prepare financially for disasters in future Administrator's Corners. In the meantime, please read Canon Logue's article on disaster preparedness here:
Prepare Now for Hurricane Season
Katie Willoughby
Canon for Administration
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Bishop's Visitation
Bishop Benhase baptizes Sarah Anderson at St. Luke's Rincon on Sunday. Below is the whole group of three confirmations, six receptions, and one affirmation of faith. From left to right: John Cote, Received; Karen Cote, Received; Sarah Jernigan, acolyte; Gwen Cottle, LEM; Fr. David Rose; Rebecca Clay, Received; Deacon Geri Nelson; Karen Bradley, Received; Jonathan Rose, Crucifer; Bishop Benhase; Sarah Anderson, Baptized; James Beebe, Confirmed; Dimarys DeJesus, Received; Gabriella DeJesus, first communion; Kissy Lerbous, Received; Luz Guzman, Received; Cisco Delgado, Confirmed. Not pictured: Maria Moffett, Reaffirmation.
On Pentecost Sunday at St. Patrick's Albany: From left, front: Deacon Joy Davis, Kay Jenkins and Monica Plowden; back: the Rev. Nick Roosevelt, Priest in Charge, Bishop Benhase and Michael Plowden.
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Save the Date for Happening #101
Katie Grant of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Augusta, will be the teen Rector for Happening #101, which is coming to Honey Creek September 14-16.
Happening is a Christian experience presented by teenagers for teenagers. It is designed for youth in grades 10 - 12 and sponsored by the Episcopal Church. Most young people have serious questions about Jesus and the Church. Happening is designed to address these questions.
 During a Happening weekend, participants experience the love of Christ as shown through prayer, worship, and the ministry of peers, clergy, and lay adults. The Happeners are encouraged to make their renewed faith a part of their everyday lives. Happening shows how Christianity can keep pace with the many changes in our lives and our world.
This weekend will be the final Happening for Diocesan Coordinator Jody Grant, of Our Savior, Martinez. Sarah Brittany Sandbach will take over Coordinator duties with Happening #102. Staff applications, as they become available, and additional information can be found on the Happening website, georgiahappening.com.
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Savannah Fire Fee Affects Congregations
The City of Savannah has instituted a fire fee for all properties, including houses of worship and non-profits. Non-residential buildings are charge based on the square footage of the building and this has led to hefty fees for several of our congregations in the city of Savannah. The city is offering a discount program and the application process has been extended to June 15th. You can receive up to a 20% discount on the associated fee if you meet certain criteria.
The Diocese is working on verification of partnership with Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA.) Please submit this application as quickly as possible, if you haven't already. You can access the application here:
As an added benefit, a number of these items on the check list are beneficial for insurance and building protection. You can also access an FAQ here:
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Let Us Know Your 2018 Wardens and Vestry
Priests or Wardens, please answer a 4-minute survey to let us know who your wardens and vestry are for 2018. It is critically important that the Diocese know how to contact these key leaders. This is especially true in case of a disaster, but it is helpful for everyday matters as well. Thank you to the 12 congregations that have sent in your 2018 information. We ask the remaining congregation to send us the information using this survey link:
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Around the Diocese
The first graduates of the Church Development Institute (CDI) in the Augusta Convocation. From left, front row: the Rev. Walter Hobgood, trainer; the Rev. Sandy Turner, Archdeacon; Sandra Morris, and Jo Rayfield. Back row: the Rev. Billy Alford, Mary Spence, and the Rev. June Johnson (trainer).
The members of All Saints Tybee Island gathered for a parish photo on Pentecost Sunday.
Pilgrims from St. Peter's Savannah are pictured on a hike to the Mendenhall Glacier (aka Sitaantaagu), in the Juneau Icefield, Alaska.
Vacation Bible School is underway this week at St. Anne's Tifton where the Rolling River Rampage has transformed their classrooms and parish hall.
More transformations are visible this week at St. George's Savannah Senior Warden Carey Griffis is shown in character as Riverdawg for their Vacation Bible School and a child goes down the hallway at Christ Church Valdosta in an inner tube.
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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.
June 3-9
In our diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for our congregation in Louisville, St. Mary Magdalene. We also pray for our ecumenical partners in Louisville, especially St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. In our companion diocese of the Dominican Republic, we pray for St Peter's Church (San Pedro) in Los Conucos.
June 10-16
In our diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for our congregations in Martinez, Holy Comforter and Our Savior. We also pray for our ecumenical partners, especially St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church in Grovetown. In our companion diocese of the Dominican Republic, we pray for the congregations in Mao, The Annunciation (La Anunciación) and St. Mary, Full of Grace (Santa MarÃa Liena de Gracia).
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Diocesan Office Update and News
 Bishop Scott Anson Benhase
is attending the Province IV House of Bishops Meeting followed by the Synod Meeting through June 8, both at Kanuga in Hendersonville, North Carolina. The bishop's full schedule is available
here.
The Rev. Canon Frank Logue
will preside and preach this Sunday at St. George's, Savannah.
Canon Logue and
Director of Communications Anna Iredale are attending the Province IV Synod Meeting through June 8.
The Rev. Canon Joshua Varner is at Honey Creek working with Camp Director Liz Swords on Summer Camp Counselor training and spiritual formation.
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Share your news in From the Field
Send your news, events and photos to
so we can feature them in upcoming issues of From the Field. Deadline for submissions each week is Monday at 4:30 PM.
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Reserve Time at Saluda Clergy Cottage Today!
To reserve time, please fill out and email/mail the reservation form found
here.
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EfM (Education for Ministry) Mentor Training
June 7-9
Honey Creek Retreat Center
Contact Rita Spalding for more information: (
912) 270-2725
General Convention of the Episcopal Church
July 3-13 in Austin, Texas
Acolyte Festival
Saturday and Sunday, August 11-12
St. Anne's Tifton
Grades three to 12
Ordination to the Priesthood
The Rev. Bunny Williams
August 25 at 11 a.m.
Church of the Good Shepherd, Augusta
Happening #101
September 14-16
Honey Creek
Grades 10-12
Fall Clergy Conference
September 24-26
Honey Creek
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Can I hear an Amen?
The Rev. Dave Johnson lets his inner pirate out for the "Shipwrecked" Vacation Bible School underway this week at Christ Church Valdosta.
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