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June 15, 2022 | Volume 12, No. 24

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Updated Polices Approved by Diocesan Council

At its May meeting, Diocesan Council met at Annunciation, Vidalia, for their first in-person meeting during Bishop Logue’s episcopacy. In addition to the usual Council business, members voted on the following important items of new business:

 

Minimum Compensation for Priests

The Diocese of Georgia has worked hard over the last decade to bring our minimum compensation for priests in line with the rest of the Episcopal Church. In 2003 we moved our baseline minimum from $20,000, which was far less than other dioceses, to $39,000. Since then, it has been Diocesan Council’s practice to keep that as our baseline minimum and adjust according to inflation rates. In 2020 and 2021, Council decided not to change the rates, as our congregations were unsure of how their finances would fare throughout the pandemic. However, inflation has continued, and our current minimum compensation is now 11.5% lower than it should be in order to maintain our practice of keeping the minimum at the equivalent of $39,000 in today’s dollars.

 

Diocesan Council voted to increase the minimum compensation levels by the full 11.5%, effective January 1, 2023. The updated numbers are found here. We understand that this is a large jump and may prove difficult for some of our congregations. If you feel that making this change all at once will prove impossible for your parish, please contact Canon Loren Lasch to work on a plan to reach the new minimum compensation levels.

 

Mileage Reimbursement Rate

For many years Diocesan Council has approved a set mileage reimbursement rate of 50 cents per mile. This amount has applied to diocesan employees, supply clergy, and anyone traveling for diocesan related business. Many congregations have chosen to use the Council approved rate for their employee mileage reimbursements as well. 

 

With continued inflation and rising gas prices this rate has become much less than needed to offset the costs for travel, particularly for our supply clergy, many of whom travel across the diocese on a regular basis to serve parishes in need of clergy. Diocesan Council voted to do away with a set rate and instead use the mileage rate set by the IRS each year, beginning in 2023. The IRS rate is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile and is set each January. For informational purposes, the rate for 2022 is 58.5 cents per mile. The IRS usually releases the new rate some time in December.

 

Paid Family Leave

While the Diocese of Georgia has had parity for clergy and lay for some time, the amount of paid family leave required by diocesan policy is no longer up to a standard being met by much of the Church. 

 

Diocesan Council approved a new paid family leave policy, effective 2023. This new policy increases the amount of leave for clergy and lay employees after the birth or adoption of a child from 8 to 12 weeks for the “primary child-care parent” and from 2 to 4 week for the “non-primary-care parent.” The full updated policy can be found here, and includes information about short-term disability coverage during paid family leave.

 

Further Conversation

Diocesan Council serves as the Diocesan Convention in recess. We are very grateful to the members of Diocesan Council for their prayerful consideration of these important changes, which enable us to continue to provide equitable compensation and leave for clergy and lay employees across the Diocese. 

 

Should you have any questions or concerns about any of these changes, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our contact information is below.

 

In Christ, 

 

Canon Katie Easterlin, Canon for Administration

keasterlin@gaepiscopal.org

 

Canon Loren Lasch, Canon to the Ordinary

llasch@gaepiscopal.org

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The Rev. Rex Vassa Cate (1959-2022)

The people of the Diocese of Georgia mourn the death of the R.V. Cate, Deacon at Holy Nativity on St. Simons Island. He died early this morning at Hospice of the Golden Isles. A faithful member of St. Mark's in Brunswick, Bishop Scott Benhase ordained him a deacon there on January 21, 2018. 


We will announce any funeral plans as they are set. A full memorial will be in next week's edition of From the Field. Please pray for R.V.'s wife, DeeDee, son Dylan and family, and all who mourn for him. 


Deliver your servant, R.V., O Sovereign Lord Christ, from all evil, and set him free from every bond; that he may rest with all your saints in the eternal habitations; where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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Preparing your parish for summer fun

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When we think of summer and church, we typically veer towards Vacation Bible School. We envision parish halls full of little ones singing silly songs, classrooms that are filled with arts and craft projects, and the grounds swelling with laughter while games are played. Vacation Bible School and other summer programs geared towards children and youth are great ways to open your parish to the community, share the Gospel, and involve your parishioners in a different aspect of church life. 


Each one of these events is a way for us to show God’s Love in the world, and the most foundational form of love is a commitment to the safety of our children. Just as we need a first aid kit handy for those scrapes and accidents that will inevitably happen, we also need to equip all our volunteers with the tools to keep our children safe.

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On a practical level, this means that everyone who works with children and youth is required to undergo a background check and complete all of the Safe Church, Safe Communities modules offered by the Episcopal Church through Praesidium Academy. These modules are all online and can be taken one at a time. Each congregation has an individual registration code so each person’s record is accurately recorded.


To obtain your church’s code for Praesidium Academy and self-enrollment instructions for your parishioners, email Canon Varner at jvarner@gaepiscopal.org.


To complete the form for the background check, visit https://gaepiscopal.org/reference-library/background-checks/. Make sure you fill the form out in its entirety and email it to Maggie Lyons at mlyons@gaepiscopal.org.

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Three congregations found the Diocese of Georgia

As we approach the bicentennial of our founding in 2023, we will share the story of the Diocese of Georgia. This week we remember the three parishes who kickstarted the Diocese of Georgia.


Though Anglicans founded Georgia, no bishop visited the colony or state for its first 82 years. For much of that time, one had to travel to England for confirmation. Then in 1815, Christ Church in Savannah arranged for the second Bishop of South Carolina, Theodore Dehon, to consecrate their church and confirm 50 persons. His successor, Bishop Nathaniel Bowen, consecrated Saint Paul’s Church in Augusta in 1821, confirming persons there and again a few years later confirmed persons in Savannah. 

In February 1823, the three Episcopal congregations in Georgia–Christ Church in Savannah, Saint Paul’s in Augusta, and Christ Church Frederica on St. Simons Island–sent delegates to the first convention of what became the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of Georgia. They celebrated the Eucharist together and prayed Morning Prayer daily through the February 24-28 convention. The delegates elected a Standing Committee, deputies to the General Convention of the Episcopal Church, and wrote the Constitution and Canons for the Diocese. They also founded “The Protestant Episcopal Society for the General Advancement of Christianity in the State of Georgia,” to reach destitute members in different parts of the state and arrange for the distribution of prayer books and religious tracts.

 

While a committee crafted the canons, another wrote an Address from the newly formed diocese of the Episcopal Church to send “to all the scattered members of that Church, throughout the State of Georgia.” 


In the Address that was unanimously endorsed by the convention, they wrote of the Episcopal Church, “In herself she is worthy of your affection and support. Her ministry is apostolic, her constitution is primitive, her services are fervent and animated, yet chastened and reverential; her doctrines are the doctrines of the Bible, the doctrines of the Cross, her only object is the promotion of ‘pure and undefiled religion.’ Such, brethren, is the church in whose establishment we ask your aid.”

The Address went on to say, “We are aware, brethren, that there are difficulties to be encountered. Your number is small, and the individuals composing that number, are perhaps scattered. But be not disheartened. These obstacles are not insurmountable….However small, then, be your number in each vicinity, let that small number be embodied.”


The population of the State in 1823, was approximately 390,­000 and there were 131 Episcopal parishioners or one Episcopalian to nearly 3,000 Georgians. For comparison, the US Census for 2020 names Georgia’s population at 10,711,908 and parochial reports for the Diocese of Georgia and Atlanta for the same year list 59,010 parishioners, so that 1 in every 182 Georgians was an Episcopalian that year. 

After the Diocese of Georgia was organized, the South Carolina Bishop presided at Georgia Conventions until a Bishop was elected for Georgia. It would be two years before the Diocese would add its fourth congregation, Christ Church in Macon. At that 1825 meeting, they noted in the minutes a letter from the Honorable C.B. Strong of Macon that said, “You know, by the short tour you have made through the State, the forlorn and scattered situation of the almost lost sheep of our flock—their destitute and bewildered condition; and how little is known of our holy faith and sublime mode of worship….These considerations prompt me to entreat you to use your greatest exertions to induce the Convention, either by application to the General Convention, or in some other way, to procure one Missionary or more, to preach in this State.”

 

These efforts would be successful as the State of Georgia became a missionary field for the Episcopal Church and would remain so for many years with outside support essential to calling clergy and to enable further expansion into new areas.


Pictured above: Saint Paul's in Augusta, Christ Church in Savannah, and Christ Church Frederica on St. Simons Island.

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Camp registration still open!

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Summer Camp has kicked off! And now you can be part of the camp experience! By purchasing camp supplies from our Honey Creek Camp Wish List on Amazon, you can help our counselors have the materials they need for everything from Archery and Arts & Crafts to Pool Time, Music, Worship, and more. 


Many of the items on our list are clearly intended for a specific purpose, but some are more general purpose, such as computer adapters that allow the projection of song words in Bishops’ Hall or flashlights and extra batteries for our counselors. Whether or not youth from your family or your congregation are coming, please take the time to support Summer Camp to the best of your ability! Click the link above or here to access our wish list: https://amzn.to/3LCCS5u. You can also scan this QR Code if you would prefer.

If you haven’t had time to sign up for summer camp yet, do so now! Remember that scholarship is always available. Financial concerns should never keep any of our young people from attending camp. Please contact Canon Varner at jvarner@gaepiscopal.org with questions about scholarship. For all other camp questions, contact our Camp Director, Karen Bell at karenmackenziebell@gmail.com


Our Summer Camp Schedule is below. All registrations are at www.honeycreek.org/camps 

  • Camp St. Peter (completed grades 6-8): June 19-25
  • Camp St. Joseph & Mary (completed grades 3-5): June 26-July 2
  • Family Camp (families of all types and sizes): July 8-10


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Process to propose amendments to Canons

During the 2021 Diocesan Convention that met in November, delegates considered a package of changes to the Constitution and Canons of the Diocese. After passing two amendments and postponing a third, the Convention passed the resolution on a first reading. The proposed changes will come before the Convention this November.


Bishop Logue is appointing a Task Group to shepherd the process this year, allowing time for due consideration and a a way to propose additional amendments. The Constitution and Canons as voted on by Convention in 2021 can be viewed here.


The Constitution and Canons as voted on by Convention in 2021, with all changes tracked from the previous version, can be viewed here.


Propose amendments online

The Diocese will use a Google Form to facilitate the collection of proposed amendments to the Canons. Any member of the clergy or delegate to Convention (2021 delegates remain in effect until a congregation names new delegates) may propose an amendment using this form: Proposed Amendments to Canons.


If you have any questions, please contact Canon Loren Lasch at llasch@gaepiscopal.org.

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We want to hear from you!

If you would like to have your submission considered for From the Field, it needs to be sent to Communications Manager Liz Williams (lwilliams@gaepiscopal.org) by noon on Tuesday.

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REMINDER: Update your AlertMedia information

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Hurricane season officially begins on June 1, and the diocese will once again use AlertMedia to stay in contact with parishes who may be affected by natural disasters. 


Send your updated information of Clergy, Senior, and Junior Wardens to Liz Williams at lwilliams@gaepiscopal.org.

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Across the diocese

The Rev. Kelly Steele, Chair of the Diocese of Georgia deputation to the General Convention, testified last evening in a Zoom meeting of the Committee on Evangelism and Church Planting. She spoke to the resolution she drafted with others at the Province IV Synod that would create an endowment for the work of the Great Commission. This empowers the Episcopal Church's Development Office to raise funds to create the endowment and gives authority to the Executive Council to fund and oversee it.

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St. Anne's in Tifton really sets their VBS on fire!

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Church of the Good Shepherd in Augusta (left) has fun decorations to bring in extra joy for their VBS, and participants of Christ Church in Valdosta's VBS help restock a food pantry.

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On Saint Simons Island, Christ Church Frederica's VBS participants enjoy fun and games.

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Holy Comforter in Martinez and Our Savior in Martinez came together for another year of a joint Vacation Bible School (left). The Revs. Al Crumpton (left) and Glenn Palmer (right) sport their new VBS t-shirts.

The Rev. Tom Purdy with Shayna Cranford at All Saints Chapel in Sewanee with the new diocesan banner. He is studying in the Doctor in Ministry program, while she is in the Alternate Clergy Training in Sewanee (ACTS) program as part of her preparation for ordination to the priesthood.

Bishop Logue with parishioners of Grace in Sandersville during their Christian Education time before worship as part of his visitation on Sunday.

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Job Positions Around the Diocese

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Darien is seeking a part-time organist for Sunday worship and special occasion services. Hymns and service music are typically from the 1982 Episcopal Hymnal. There is also a Tuesday evening rehearsal requirement with the choir, all to total approximately 3-4 hours per week. Candidates should be familiar with an organ with 2 manuals and a pedal clavier, be music literate, and be willing to work collaboratively with the Rector and Music Director. Pay will be commensurate with experience. Interested parties should email their resume to standrew@darientel.net.


The Church of the Good Shepherd in Augusta is searching for a Director of Student Ministries. A resource size parish with a pre-pandemic ASA of 500, The Church of the Good Shepherd is seeking a full-time youth minister. The DSM has responsibility for all aspects of youth ministry and Christian formation for parish youth from middle school through high school, which includes Sunday School, Youth Group, mission trips, and other youth activities. A detailed job description can be found here. For further information, please contact the Rev. Ted H. Clarkson, Interim Rector at tclarkson@goodshepherd-augusta.org or call (912)230-9388.


St. Augustine of Canterbury in Augusta is looking for a Parish Administrator. For more information, contact the Rev. Jim Said at jim@st-augustines.org.

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Prayer 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 2022 one year prayer cycle is online here: 2022 Prayer Cycle.   


June 12 - 18

In our diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for our congregation in Moultrie, St. Margaret of Scotland. We also pray for our ecumenical partners in Moultrie, especially Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. In our companion diocese of the Dominican Republic, we pray for Holy Spirit (Espíritu Santo) in Las Carreras. 


June 19 - June 25

In our diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for our congregation in Quitman, St. James. We also pray for our ecumenical partners, especially St. Jude Catholic Church in Glennville. In our companion diocese of the Dominican Republic, we pray for the St. Peter the Apostle (San Pedro Apostól) in Los Conucos. 


Newly Revised 31-Day 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. (Updated 3/1/2022)

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Diocesan Office Update and News

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Bishop Logue will be on vacation next week at the Saluda Clergy Cottage and visiting family, returning to the office on June 27. Contact Canon Lasch at llasch@gaepiscopal.org for any inquiries while the Bishop is out.


To view Bishop Logue's full visitation calendar, click here. (Updated for 2023 - 5/4/2022)



Pictured: Bishop Logue with the clergy and members of Grace Episcopal Church in Sandersville.


Canon Easterlin, Daniel Garrick, and Maggie Lyons are working with the auditors this week for the annual audit.


Canon Lasch will be celebrating and preaching at the Church of the Epiphany in Savannah on Sunday.


Canon Varner will be at Honey Creek during the month of June to assist Camp Director Karen Bell with summer camp.


Maggie Lyons will be on vacation June 22-24.


The office will begin the summer hours of operation, which will mean that the office will be closed on Fridays at noon.



The best way to reach a staff member is via email as we will always get back with you promptly in many cases and in 24-72 hours when working on more pressing matters. Staff e-mails can be found here with a list of responsibilities so you know who to contact for what.


You may also reach diocesan staff by phone at (912) 236-4279.

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Win at all costs

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Sometimes you gotta team up to come out on top! Evan Ariail from St. Thomas in Thomasville pairs up with Jake Diamond from Christ Church in Valdosta during a game at High School camp.

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