COMING EVENTS:

 

Labyrinth Facilitator Training - Dec. 1-2, Duncan Center

Journey to Adulthood training - Dec. 1-2, St. Stephen’s, Miami

Institution of the Rev. Denise Hudspeth as Rector - Dec. 2, 4 p.m., St. Margaret’s, Miami Lakes

Clergy & Clergy Spouses Party - Dec. 4, 6 p.m., St. Bernard de Clairvaux, North Miami Beach

SD/Keys Youth Games Day/Picnic- Dec. 9, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Larry & Penny Thompson Park, Miami

Safeguarding God’s Children - Dec. 9, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Bethesda-by-the-Sea, Palm Beach

Christmas Ball (grades 9-12) - Dec. 16, 5 p.m., Chapel of St. Andrew, Boca Raton

Ordination to the Diaconate of Carol Graves- Dec. 17, 3 p.m., St. Luke’s, Port Salerno

Diocesan Offices closed for Christmas- Dec. 25, 2006-Jan. 1, 2007

Ordination to the Diaconate of Scott Jones, Debra Maconaughey, Scott Petersen -  Jan. 6, 10 a.m., Trinity Cathedral

Bishop Frade’s Holy Land Pilgrimage - Jan. 16-30

Parish Finance & Assessment meetings - Jan. 16-18

EFM Mentor Training - Jan. 19-21, Duncan Center

Student Ministries Leadership Event- Jan. 21, 7 p.m., First Baptist Church of Boynton Beach; Jan. 27, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., St. Mark, Ft. Lauderdale

Parochial Reports due- Jan. 31

Conference on Prison Ministry - Feb. 3, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Duncan Center

Annual Clergy Retreat- Feb. 5-8, Our Lady of Florida

Absalom Jones Service - Feb. 10, place TBA

Bishop’s Spring Conference- Feb. 16-17, Duncan Center

Diocesan Acolyte Festival- Mar. 3, Holy Family, Miami Gardens

Annual Deacons’ Conference- Mar. 9-10, Duncan Center

Wardens and Treasurers Conference - Mar.17, place TBA

Clergy/Clergy Spouses Cruise - April 12-14

Anti-Racism Training- Apr. 28, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., St. Paul’s, Delray Beach

 Revised Common Lectionary--Although the Revised Common Lectionary does not become the official lectionary of the Episcopal Church until Advent 2007, some of you may be planning to begin using the RCL beginning with Advent of this year. If you would like to begin using these readings and do not yet have an RCL book, links to RCL texts can be found online at http://divinity.library.vanderbilt.edu/lectionary/ or http://www.io.com/~kellywp/ Please remember that Bishop Frade, Bishop Ottley and the archdeacons need to know at least a week prior to their visitations which lectionary the parish is using.

New course at Diocesan School - Spring semester courses at the Diocesan School begin Jan. 13, and will include a new course, "An Introduction to Spiritual Direction: Giving and Receiving". The purpose of this class is to offer spiritual formation for clergy and laypersons in both giving and receiving spiritual direction. The instructor will be The Rev. Dr. Perry Fuller and the textbook will be Soul Friend by Ken Leech. Classes will meet from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on Jan. 13 and 27, Feb. 10 and 24, Mar. 10 and 31 and Apr. 14 and 21. The class will be ongoing and will be offered again for the Fall Semester. Registration for the Diocesan School is online at http://www.diosef.org/register.html. For additional information on the Spiritual Direction course, contact the Rev. Mary Beth Wells at 561-276-4541 or The Rev. Dr. Perry Fuller at 305-665-7333.

“Groundwork”--The 2007 installment of "Groundwork" evangelism resources--offering congregations a Year C Lenten guide for study and action—has been posted online and mailed to congregations churchwide. Previously published Groundwork resources, including the 2004-2005, are also available at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/groundwork.

Bishop’s Spring Conference 2007—Save the dates for the Bishop’s Spring Conference—“The Magnetic Church”, presented by Andrew Weeks, Feb. 16-17, 2007, at the Duncan Center. This is a two-day conference, beginning on Friday afternoon; participants should plan to attend the entire event. Registration will be online at www.diosef.org/register.html . The registration deadline is Feb. 12; late registrations and walk-ins will be accepted only if space is available. The cost per person is $40 and includes refreshments and lunch on Saturday. Childcare will be available for $10 per child, Saturday only. Important: Each participant (not each church) must bring one copy of her/his parish’s newsletter, welcome brochure/visitor form or packet and contact letters, and bulletin. For additional information on the conference, as well as a downloadable registration form for Friday night dinner and lodging only, go to http://www.magnetic-church.com/aaflepsed.pdf.  More on Andrew Weeks and “The Magnetic Church” is at http://www.magnetic-church.com

Journey to Adulthood training—Training for those who want to work with the J2A youth program will be offered Dec. 1 from 7-9 p.m. and Dec. 2 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at St. Stephen’s, Miami. This is not two separate trainings, but one course that starts Friday night and concludes on Saturday. There are no overnight accommodations. The cost is $25, which includes lunch on Saturday. Registration will be online. Click here to view flier.

Safeguarding God’s Children training—A Safeguarding God’s Children class will be offered at Bethesda-by-the-Sea, Palm Beach, Dec. 9, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will include lunch and a cont. breakfast. Register with Kim Pyle at pyle@bbts.org.

Christmas Ball—Youth in grades 9-12 are invited to a diocesan Christmas Ball at chapel of St. Andrew, Boca Raton, on Dec. 16, beginning with dinner at 5 p.m. The cost is $10 per person with reservations or $15 at the door. The dress code is semi-formal. Invitations with complete details have been mailed to all rectors, youth ministers and youth leaders. If you have questions about this or any youth activity, contact your dean (if you’re not sure who that is, go to http://www.diosef.org/staff.htm ) or Mary Cobiella in the Diocesan Office, mary@diosef.org or 800-268-9993 or 305-373-0881, ext. 29. Click here for a list of upcoming youth events.

Registration for Youth Events - A registration form for diocesan youth events is posted at http://www.diosef.org/register.html.

Student Ministries Leadership Event—The Broward Deanery Clergy invite clergy, youth ministers and youth advisors to participate in a two-part mini-conference called Good Vibrations: a Youth Ministry Leadership Event. Part One, Coffee House Worship, will be held Jan. 21, 2007, at 7 p.m., at the First Baptist Church of Boynton Beach, and Part Two, Innovation Workshop: Student Ministries, will be held Jan. 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at St. Mark the Evangelist, Ft. Lauderdale. Registration is online at www.diosef.org/register.html . For more information contact Fr. Orlando Addison, froaddison@bellsouth.net, or Fr. Jeff Beebe, jsbyale@aol.com.   

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity-- “Open our ears and loosen our tongues.” (Mark 7:31-37) is the theme for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Jan. 18-25. Begun in 1908, these days between the observances of the confession of St. Peter and the Conversion of St. Paul have been set aside annually as an opportunity for  Christians around the world to de-emphasize their many divisions and to pray for the fulfillment of the prayer of Jesus, “that they all may be one.” Click here for resources for Week of Prayer observances. Additional information can also be found at http://www.geii.org, or by contacting Fr. Frisby Hendricks, diocesan Ecumenical Officer, fatherfrisby@yahoo.com.

EFM Mentor Training—EFM Mentor Training—for mentors who are facilitating EFM groups and need recertification, current students whose group could benefit from an additional mentor or those wishing to start a group or just wanting to know more about EFM—will be offered Jan. 19-21 at the Duncan Center. The cost is $180. Registration will be online. For information contact diocesan EFM Coordinator Mandy Frantz, 561-346-5317 or Mandy_frantz@yahoo.com.

Will clinics and estate planning—Episcopal Charities (formerly the Southeast Florida Episcopal Foundation) is continuing its ministry of providing resources for congregations on wills, estate planning and endowment fund structuring. For more information or to schedule an appointment for a will clinic or a vestry workshop on endowment funds, contact Charlie Ring, Episcopal Charities at 561-799-6424.

Clergy Retreat—The annual Clergy Retreat for 2007 will be held Feb. 5-8 at Our Lady of Florida Retreat Center in North Palm Beach. The retreat leader will be the Rev. Mark E. Stanger, Canon Precentor at Grace Cathedral, San Francisco.

Anti-Racism Training--The Diocesan Anti-Racism Commission has scheduled an Anti-Racism Training workshop Apr. 28, 2007, at St. Paul’s, Delray Beach, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This training was mandated by General Convention 2000 for all clergy, staff and lay leaders as a step toward ending institutional and other forms of racism. The cost for the workshop is $10, which includes continental breakfast, lunch and all workshop materials. Registration will be available online at www.diosef.org/register.html for the April workshop.

Needs in the Diocese of the Dominican Republic—The Diocese of the Dominican Republic, one of our companion dioceses, has several specific ministries that could use “Christmas gifts” from us. Scholarships--$250 per student per year--are needed for many of the 5,000 students in parochial schools, and building projects for churches and schools need sponsors at $32/square foot or $288/square yard.  Tax deductible donations for scholarships and building projects can be sent to: Dominican Development Group, P.O. Box 661, Ellenton, FL 34222. Also, in September the Dominican Episcopal Church dedicated the Bishop Telésforo Isaac Home for the Elderly (El Hogar), which is designed to meet the needs of up to 40 elderly residents who cannot otherwise afford care, as well as to provide day care facilities for other elderly persons who live in the area. Patrons are needed to cover the approximately $2,500 annual expense for each resident; congregations or individuals who are interested in supporting this ministry should contact Deacon Bob Snow, bobsnow_2000@yahoo.com .

2007 calendars needed--The Seamen's Church Institute of New York and New Jersey is collecting
and distributing 2007 calendars to seafarers. Episcopalians are encouraged to save 2007 calendars they receive in the mail or from local businesses. The Institute will collect these calendars--from pocket to wall size--from now until the end of January 2007. Calendars should be mailed to: The Rev. Andy Moore, director; Seamen's Church Institute's, International Seafarers' Center 118 Export Street, Port Newark, NJ 07114.

Clergy Continuing Education—The diocesan guidelines for clergy continuing education that were discussed at the Clergy Conference in September are now available online at http://www.diosef.org/faq/clergy_education.html 

“Electronic Common Prayer”—Church Publishing now offers "eCP: electronic Common Prayer", a
downloadable, interactive, calendar-based tool for users of PalmOS mobile devices that highlights the
designated liturgical celebration of the day and provides links to the full text of the appointed Daily Office readings and the Eucharistic lectionary. eCP also features all daily Office texts - Morning Prayer, Noonday Prayer, Evening Prayer, and Compline--all canticles, psalms, collects, proper prefaces, prayers, and frequently used services from the Book of Common Prayer, including Baptism, Holy Eucharist Rite I and II, the Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage, Ministration at the Time of Death, Burial of the Dead, and the services of Holy Week. To order, go to http://www.churchpublishing.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=product&ProductID=444

Camp Weed reunion--Camp Weed, located in Live Oak, Fla., in the Diocese of Florida, is inviting all of its former campers to return for “Let’s Bond in ‘007”, a 2007 Labor Day Weekend (Aug. 31-Sept. 3) reunion celebrating the camp’s 84 years. The weekend will feature activities for all ages, including swimming, archery, fishing, talent night, skits and a barbecue. For additional information, go to www.campweed.org or contact the camp, 386-364-5250 or frontdesk@campweed.org

“The Rev”—“The Rev” cartoons from Fr. Paul Edwards for Lectionary Year C (current lectionary) are available at http://www.diosef.org/therev_cartoons.html.

Non-Violence Training—Episcopal Peace Fellowship offers a three-day training retreat on active non-violence called Creating a Culture of Peace. The training can be provided for a parish or for any church organization. EPF is especially interested in offering this training for communities of color; low-income/marginalized communities; and youth/young adult groups. For information go to http://www.epfnational.org/publish/cat_index_37.shtml or contact Nick Chavasse at 733-442-8806 or nvprogramcoordinator@epfnational.org.

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CLERGY CHANGES

Bruttell, The Rev. Susan - Ordained to the diaconate 11/15/06

Cassini, The Rev. Mary Ellen - Ordained to the diaconate 11/ 7/06.

Cowden, The Rev. Matthew - Ordained to the priesthood 11/1/06.

Jones, The Rev. Tyler - Transferred to Diocese of New York, effective 7/27/06.

Parry, The Rev. Adrian - Inhibited from the performance of sacerdotal duties, effective 11/8/06.

Rasmus, The Rev. Paul - Named Priest-in-charge at St. Andrew’s, Lake Worth, effective 12/17/06.

Sims, The Rev. Kenneth - Reassigned as deacon from Transfiguration, Miami Gardens, to Holy Family, Miami Gardens, effective 12/1/06.

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Parishes in Transition:

St. Mark’s, Palm Beach Gardens—The Rev. Jeannie Martz, priest-in-charge; no longer receiving names.

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

Holy Trinity, West Palm Beach—Fr. Ken Ornell, interim; search process beginning

St. Matthew the Apostle, Miami—Fr. Jamie Jones called as rector, effective 2/15/07; Fr. Perry Fuller, interim

St. Christopher’s, Key Biscayne—Fr. Tom Bruttell, interim

St.Andrew’s, Lake Worth—Fr. Paul Rasmus named priest-in-charge, effective 12/17/06.

St. Columba, Marathon—Fr. Tom Shepherd, interim.

St. Andrew’s, Miami—Fr. Gary Verell, interim.

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

Bethesda-by-the-Sea, Palm Beach, is offering an Advent Spiritual Weekend, Dec. 1-3, with meditations on Friday evening and Saturday, as well as a presentation at the Sunday Adult forum. The retreat leaders are Brother David Vryhof and Brother Gerald Beauchamp of the Society of St. John the Evangelist. Click here for details. Call Phyllis at 655-4555, x 21 to reserve your place.

All Saints, Ft. Lauderdale, will hold auditions for the play Murder in the Cathedral by T. S. Eliot on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 3, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. There are 12 male roles and 2 female roles. Please bring a resume and headshot if possible. Performance date is Friday, February 9, 2007. For information contact Marjory Lyons at 954-970-9333.

On Saturday, Dec. 9, at 7:30 p.m., St. Thomas, Coral Gables, presents its annual performance of Handel's Messiah in its entirety, sung by the thirty-five voices of the Parish Choir. This year's performance features soloists Julia Gooding (England, BBC Proms), Gary Crichlow (London, male countertenor), Matthew Tresler (Miami, Seraphic Fire) Paul Max Tipton (Michigan, Seraphic Fire) and accompanied by a full orchestra. Tickets, including interval refreshments, are $25 for adults and $15 for students/seniors. For further information call 305-661-3436.

There will be a candlelight service of Lessons & Carols at the Chapel of the Venerable Bede on the campus of the University of Miami on Sunday, Dec. 10, at 6 p.m.  The service will be led by the University’s Collegium Musicum, under the direction of Dr. Donald Oglesby.  The service, which has become a perennial favorite at the University, is open to the public.

Bethesda-by-the-Sea, Palm Beach, will present its annual Boar's Head and Yule Log Festival on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2007, at 2:30 pm and at 4:30 pm. Seats are limited and are on a first-come, first-served basis. A suggested donation of $10 will be collected at the door. For additional information visit the parish website: http://www.bbts.org/ or call the church office at 561-655-4554.

St. Andrew’s, Lake Worth, is offering a lecture series on “Religion and Science in Contemporary Life”, beginning Jan. 5 and continuing on the first Fridays of February and March. The topics are: 1) Religion and Science: Are They Compatible?; 2) Religion, Science and Human Sexuality; and 3) Religion, Science and Cosmology. Click here for details. Each of the 7 pm lectures will be preceded by a Community Pot Luck Supper at 6 p.m. and by Evening Prayer with music and incense at 5:30. All lectures are free and open to the public. For further information, call 561-582-6609.

St. Gregory’s, Boca Raton, begins a series of four monthly lectures open to the community with "Children of Abraham: The Search for Common Ground," a conversation among Muslims, Jews and Christians, on Wednesday, Jan. 10, from 7:30-9:30 p.m. in Harris Hall. There will be informal discussion and refreshments following the lecture. Click here for additional information on the lecture series.

St. Matthew’s, Delray Beach, has announced its annual Lenten Tea, to be held Sunday, March 18, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. at the South County Civic Center, 16700 Jog Rd., Delray Beach. The parish is accepting donations toward this event; the contact persons are Deborah Delva 561-330-8790 and Carolanne Kellman 561-330 -9738. 

My Backyard, the afterschool program at St. Margaret’s, Miami Lakes, needs a part-time academic tutor, beginning in January 2007. Qualifications: some college, some experience tutoring children. For more information or to apply, call (305) 823-4340, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. 

Wanted--Young energetic college graduate interested in the camp and conference ministry. Staff the desk (one year commitment) for the national association of Episcopal camps and conference centers (ECCC) at an active Episcopal center in North Florida, Camp Weed and the Cerveny Conference Center in Live Oak. Room, board, medical insurance, some travel and modest pay are among the many benefits of this position. Contact Joe Chamberlain for job description and details  joe@campweed.org

St. James in the Hills, Hollywood, needs about 40 or 50 copies of the Book of Common Prayer, and would welcome donations of these from any parish that has prayer books in good condition to spare. Contact St. James’ rector, Fr. Orlando Addison, froaddison@bellsouth.net or call the church office, 954-987-2203 if you know of any available prayer books.

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

• Benedictine Experience, Feb. 22-25, 2007
• Sewanee Bridge Program for high school juniors (application deadline Mar. 15, 2007)
• Sewanee Anglican Tour
  

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