Financial Reports
Proposed Budget for 2011 together with Annotations to Proposed Budget for 2011 are online
Current financial reports are maintained online at: Diocesan Financial reports
Board of the Corporation
The Board of Officers for 2010 consisted of Bishop Benhase, President, and Thomas Driggers, Cliff Draughn, Carolyn Eager, Charles Hough, Leslie Lambert-Jones, Judy Simpson, Dan Suwyn, and Tatnall Thompson as Officers. In October James Timmons was appointed to complete the term of Cliff Draughn following his resignation. David Saussy, Diocesan Treasurer, and Canon Mary Willoughby, Canon Administrator, served ex-officio, and Mark Worsham served as Secretary-Treasurer.
The Board held four regularly-scheduled quarterly meetings during the year and conducted two other meetings by conference call to address particular matters in progress or of concern to the Board. The Board continued to be guided by the Capital Advisory Group of Richmond, Virginia (CapGroup) as investment consultants. SunTrust Bank continued to serve as depository for funds and securities.
In its performance results, the portfolio finished 2010 up approximately 12.2% over the year ending 2009. A statement of the balances of the discretionary funds administered by the Board follows this report. The following is a summary of the business conducted at the quarterly meetings held by the Board:
In February it was reported that the fund finished 2009 up 22.8%, but was down 0.05% for the current year. The Board increased the fund’s equity allocation to 55% in light of market expectations, with the balance of 28% in fixed income and 15% in alternative investments. Total distributions for 2010 were projected to be $176,000. Board members were assigned to participate in activities and presentations at the upcoming Convention.
In May Bishop Benhase chaired his first meeting with the Board and outlined his vision for Diocesan level operations. The fund was up 3.10% for the first quarter, and up 33.3% over the previous twelve months. Bishop Benhase began a discussion of a socially responsible investment approach, particularly in the area of alternative investments. The Board agreed to reallocate the distribution among asset classes within its equities investments, to reflect anticipated market conditions. A practice of filling the position of Board Vice President with the senior member of the Board each year was approved, with Ms. Lambert-Jones serving for the remainder of 2010. The audit of the fund’s operations by external accountants was reported to be in the process of a commitment letter.
In August it was reported that the fund was down 3.3% for the year as of June 30, 2010, and under its style and index targets for the year, primarily due to market corrections arising from European debt crises and the economic recession in the United States. As of August 10, the fund had returned to a gain of 3.2% for the year. In light of pessimism in the markets’ recovery, the Board agreed to move to more conservative allocations of 35% equities, 35% fixed income, and 30% alternatives. There was further discussion of the appropriateness of alternative investments and CapGroup agreed to present a webinar to further explain these investments. Canon Willoughby reported that an analysis of the options available to better administer the smaller sub-funds was underway. The external audit of the fund was underway.
In September, following the CapGroup presentation, the Board met by conference call and discussed the historical use of distributions from the funds, its investment objectives, the restrictions on use of certain funds, and reallocation of the fund’s investment policy among equities, fixed income, and alternative investments.
In November, the portfolio was up 9.86% for the quarter ending September 30, 2010 and approximately 9.6% for the year. James Timmons was appointed by the Bishop to fill the remainder of Cliff Draughn’s term. The Board discussed division of the various sub-funds into two groups, one for long-term growth objectives and the other for income production. Upon completion of a review of the sub-funds, their purposes, and their restrictions, the Board will inform the participating funds of the two investment objectives and give those with the flexibility to opportunity to select a preferred objective. The Board completed its discussion of appropriate investments, and discussed a periodic review of its consulting and custodial arrangements. The Board deferred setting its distribution policy for 2001 pending review of the operating needs of the Diocese, which receives funds from distributions for operating needs.
Mark Worsham
Secretary/Treasurer
Campus Ministry
Armstrong Atlantic State University (AASU)
The Rev. Helen White serves as AASU campus minister, with President, Samantha Robinson; Vice-President, Mike Mercer; Treasurer, Jackie Mercer; and Faculty Advisor, Mary Anne Brock.
The 2009 – 2010 academic year consisted of weekly lunch meetings (meal, fellowship, faith-based discussion, prayer). Six participants attended Vocare. Rev. White taught an ethics course at AASU, introducing over 100 students to the basic elements of Anglican moral theology. In April 2010, diocesan funding to AASU was cut due to budget restraints. In August 2010, Rev. White raised $1543.00 from local churches and individuals and agreed to serve as a volunteer campus minister for the 2010-2011 school year. Weekly lunch meetings continue, and the group continues to grow with an average weekly attendance of 10 students and as many as 18 students some weeks. Students organized a fundraiser for Armstrong Day, raising over $600.00 for a nonprofit that sends terminally ill children to Disney World.
ECM at AASU hopes a paid chaplain will continue this vital, evangelistic mission. From the Episcopal Church’s Strategic Planning Survey: “The Church needs to see campus ministry and young adult ministry as the most important
evangelism and mission area there is. It is where our culture is the most dynamic, most committed, most culturally diverse.” -The Rev. Helen White, Chaplain
Georgia Southern University (GSU)
The Episcopal Campus Ministry (ECM) at GSU is led by four student officers: Taylor Downs, Josan Rivera, Cate Faulkner, and Emily Stallings. The Rev. Justin Yawn is part-time chaplain. This year has been another year of change and the campus ministry has spent a great deal of time adjusting to those changes. Over the summer, the chaplain met with many of the students and made changes based on their desires, which included allowing more time for theological study. The main mission this fall was geared toward students on campus who were struggling with various life issues. As a community, ECM sought to reach out to the other O15,000¹ who comprise a body of students that will never participate in a religious community during their four years in college. Due to the perseverance of ECM students, the group saw a surge of new members that brought overall membership to 35. Fr. Justin has been sensitive to the changes that have occurred over the last two years and has sought ways to help the community discern a mission at Georgia Southern while dealing with the grief that has arisen because of changes in clerical leadership. This is an ongoing process. 2011 will bring its own set of challenges as ECM anticipates a budget deficit of $10,000.00. Fr. Justin, with the help of the student leaders, has begun the work of raising this money which will enable us to keep the
lights on in our campus ministry house for one more year. ECM depends on the support of many in our diocese, but it also realizes that it is not alone in its need. ECM at GSU wants to ensure that all campus ministries are supported in 2011, and it will strive to broaden its benefactor base. This will give ECM the resources necessary to further expand its ministry at GSU. Next year ECM will also begin discerning how our gifts and talents can be shared with other campus ministries. Relationships are important, and ECM believes that it can share and learn many things from other campus ministry communities inside and outside the diocese. In 2011, ECM will continue to meet Sunday for worship, Tuesday for dinner, and Thursday night for a more in depth theological discussion. The hope is that members of ECM will deepen their faith as they engage in mission inside and outside the community.
-The Rev. Justin Yawn, Chaplain
Valdosta State University (VSU)
This was an exciting year for ECM on the VSU Campus. ECM participated in several campus events, including Genesis, The Happening, Cover the Square with Prayer, and Freshmen Orientation. ECM is a sanctioned club on the VSU
campus. ECM also participated in Vocare, a weekend for college students and young adults. Griff Holland was elected to the Steering Committee. ECM co-sponsored a lecture series with the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at VSU. The keynote speaker was Dr. John Robertson, Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada. He presented a two part lecture in which he lectured on “How do you speak of God in an age of Science?” and “Are Evolution and Faith Incompatible?” After the lecture the second evening, Dr. Robertson was
available for questions from the audience. In 2010, ECM gathered on Sunday evenings in Louttit Hall for a variety
of activities, including sharing home cooked meal and watching a Nooma video. (The videos are designed to promote spiritual discussion on topics and situation found in our Christian lives.) Holy Eucharist is every Sunday evening at 8:00pm. ECM at VSU is grateful to the diocese for funding college ministry on the VSU campus. The funds are used to help defer meal expenses, to sponsor events with the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, and to help with fees for young adult events. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
-The Rev. Tar Drazdowski, Chaplain
Chancellor
During 2010, the chancellor served the Diocesan Convention in Savannah as Parliamentarian and Chancellor to the Bishop. He also attended the meetings of Diocesan Council held throughout the year and provided general legal advice and counsel to Bishop Benhase, the Standing Committee, and the Diocesan Staff on an as needed basis. The chancellor provided legal advice to a number of parishes and missions in the Diocese regarding routine legal matters and also consulted with a number of parish clergy and vestries regarding matters of concern to them under the Constitutions and Canons of The Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Georgia.
Periodically, throughout the year, the chancellor worked on behalf of the Bishop and the Diocese in connection with the litigation pending in Chatham Superior Court to recover the parish property of Christ Church Savannah. In October 2010, the diocese received a favorable decision from the trial court in that case from which the group that broke away from the Episcopal Church appealed to the Georgia Court of Appeals. The Georgia Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court ruling in favor of the Diocese and the Episcopal Church. The breakaway group has asked to Georgia Supreme Court to hear the case. The chancellor expects the appeal to be resolved by the Georgia Supreme Court during 2011.
-The Rev. Jim Elliott, Chancellor
Chaplains to the Retired
The Chaplains to the Retired are honored to offer their ministry to the retired clergy and surviving spouses of the Diocese of Georgia. They thank Bishop Benhase for appointing them to this ministry. What the chaplains do is first and foremost an extension of the Bishop’s ministry in the diocese. The Church Pension Fund rightly refers to the retired clergy as “the treasures of the church”. As everyone knows, clergy never really retire. The chaplains continue to see how these treasures are shared through various ministries in the diocese and throughout the church at large.
The chaplains’ main focus is to make a personal contact with each person on birthdays and wedding anniversaries. Pastoral concerns are referred to appropriate sources when necessary. The chaplains also work closely with the Church Pension Fund to insure they have correct information on the retired living in The Diocese of Georgia. The diocese has a goodly number of retired clergy, or surviving spouses, whose residence is in the Diocese of Georgia, but whose canonical residence is in another diocese. The chaplains contact everyone who resides in the Diocese of Georgia.
The chaplains attend a conference for all chaplains in Province IV every two years. The next conference is in Louisville, KY in 2012. The national conference gathers every three years. The 2010 conference was in Flagstaff,
AZ. Both conferences are sponsored by the Church Pension Fund. The workshops and information received at these conferences provide invaluable assistance to the chaplains in their ministry to the retired.
The chaplains sent birthday and anniversary greetings to seventy-nine retired clergy or surviving spouses in the diocese of during 20010. The chaplains are thankful that they can share in this way with the treasures of the church”. There are many ways retired clergy and surviving spouses really remain very active in the life and ministry of the church. The Chaplains to the Retired thank God for all of them.
-The Rev. Canon Neal Phelps and Chris S. Phelps, Chaplains
Christian Formation Commission
The Commission Formation Commission (CFC) has provided funds for several Christian Education workshops on Godly Play and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. The CFC is available to help with convocational workshops that parishes would like to plan in this coming year. The CFC also has funds to help anyone who would like to attend a Christian Formation Conference. The Commission on Ministry has taken the lead on the Ministries Conference in the Spring. The CFC is in a reorganizing phase still to be determined and is in dialogue with Bishop Benhase about that reorganization.
-The Rev. Dr. Jim Schumard, Chair
Church in Georgia
The 2010 diocesan budget reduced Church in Georgia funds by half, thus the former publishing of 10-12 print editions with color photos and having news on eight-16 pages was reduced to five issues, the last three of which used no color to balance costs of the first issue that needed 10 pages for pre-convention news.
The editor and Bishop Scott Benhase met three times to discuss options for diocesan news. They met March 5 at Christ Church, Frederica, St. Simons Island, March 12 at St. Paul¹s, Albany, with Dwayne Summar, who chaired the convocation communications coordinators, and April 10 at St. Mark’s, Brunswick, with convocation coordinators and others who have played an integral role in diocesan communications. At the April meeting it was decided to publish the final three issues not in monthly or bi-monthly sequence, but with more time between issues, ending by December, and to transition into an online monthly publication available on the diocesan website. The idea was that the diocese will strongly encourage rectors/vicars/wardens to print it monthly, make it available in the church,
and have it for lay Eucharistic ministers to take on visits to shut-ins.
The editor especially thanks Dr. Willa Valencia for her generous ministry proofreading almost every edition of CIGA since this editor came on board at Diocesan Convention 1997. She also thanks Steve Roberts for his due diligence and excellent editing and proofing; the Rev. David Somerville, Deacon Jim Purks, and the Rev. Canon Frank Logue for their many years contributing articles and photos from around the diocese and across the globe; Julia and Julius Ariail for their extensive photo journalism throughout the diocese; the readers for their encouragement, suggestions, and critiques; her husband and son for their patient support, handling CIGA phone calls at all hours, their contributing photos and articles, and proofreading, and their patience at deadline, especially during holidays, and not least that one person whose name should be here but escapes her at this moment. She thanks you for your ministry.
-The Rev. Marcia O. McRae, CIGA Editor, 1997 – 2010
Commission on Ministry
The Diocesan Commission on Ministry met three times in 2010: January 8 and 9 at Trinity Church, Statesboro; May 7 and 8 at Christ Church, Valdosta; and October 22 and 23 at St. Mark’s, Brunswick. The following actions were
taken: three persons were recommended for ordination to the vocational Diaconate; three persons were recommended as Candidates for the vocational Diaconate; three persons were recommended as Postulants for the vocational Diaconate, to begin preparation in the Diocesan Diaconal School for Ministry. One person was recommended as a Postulant to the Priesthood, to prepare in the Diocesan program; ten persons were recommended as Candidates for the Priesthood; ten persons were recommended for Ordination to the transitional Diaconate; and four persons were recommended for Ordination to the Priesthood.
The Commission on Ministry sponsored the Spring Licensed Lay Ministries Conference at Honey Creek held on March 12 and 13. Seminars were offered in Eucharistic ministry, preaching, pastoral care, and spirituality. The keynote speaker was the Rev. James Lemler from Christ Episcopal Church, Greenwich, Connecticut, author of the book Transforming Congregations (Church Publishing, 2008). Fifty-six persons signed in for the conference.
-The Rev. James H. Clendinen, Chair
Companion Diocese
2010 has been a great year for partnership between the Diocese of Georgia and the Episcopal Diocese of the Dominican Republic. Each year, this partnership grows stronger, and both dioceses are able to work together to meet the physical, educational and spiritual needs of the Dominican Episcopal Church. The Diocese of Georgia assists with the ministry of the Dominican Church by sharing resources from its abundance with its brothers and sisters in the Dominican, who labor endlessly to bring about the kingdom of God in their community. The Diocese of Georgia accomplishes this task through prayer, presence and financial contributions. In conjunction with the Companion Diocese Committee, four teams went to the Dominican Republic this year.
In February, a Discovery Team of seven people from the diocese toured the Dominican to look for possible mission sites. While on the tour, several communities were identified as future sites for possible mission trips. As a result of the Discovery Tour, St. Patrick¹s, Albany selected the Church of the Resurrection in Azua, and returned in October. They worked on local housing, identified needs in the community, developed new relationships, and set new goals for future trips. Bishop Benhase accepted an invitation to attend the annual Diocesan Convention in the Dominican Republic in February and then attended the bi-annual meeting of the Dominican Development Group. Bishop Holguin attended Bishop Benhase’s consecration and then preached and celebrated at St. Paul the Apostle, Savannah. After the service, Bishop Holguin requested that St. Paul’s send a mission team to the seminary in Santo Domingo to teach liturgical chanting. The team went in September and plans to return again next year. They also visited an elder care facility in Boca Chica, bringing with them donations of clothing.
The Dominican Development Group (DDG) is a non- profit 501-C organization with the mission of helping to raise funds for the Dominican Church. Due to budgetary short falls in the budget of General Convention, the DDG helps to secure funding for the endowment, which will eventually help the Dominican Church to become financially solvent. The Christ Church, Valdosta Team made their 8th annual trip to the village of El Pedregal in June. The team worked on local housing, attended the school graduation provided Bible School for the children in the village and taught knitting classes.
The next Discovery Tour has been set for February 22-28. The group will depart from Orlando on Tuesday the 22nd and return Monday the 28th. The cost of the trip is approximately $700. Everyone is responsible for making his/her own plane reservations with Jet Blue. If interested, please contact The Rev. Tar Drazdowski at 229-242-5115 or at
revtar@christchurchvaldosta.org.
There are many ways to partner with the Dominican Church. Financial contributions are always accepted and needed. The Dominican diocesan office handles all financial donations; one should designate funds in the memo line of one’s check to insure that these donations are used for their intended purpose. A $300 donation sends a child in the Dominican to school for one year. In return for this scholarship, donors receive information about the students they sponsor.
To route a contribution through a non-profit organization, one might use the (DDG). To do this, one should contact Dr. Bob Stevens, Executive Director of the DDG using the following information: The Dominican Development Group, c/o Dayspring Episcopal Center, PO Box 661, Ellenton, FL, USA 34222; ddgstevens@aol.com; (941) 776-1018 or (941) 776-0405. One can also contact the Rev. Tar Drazdowski at trdraz@bellsouth.net for more information.
-The Rev. Tar Drazdowski
Cursillo
The Commission on Cursillo currently consists of 11 lay persons and 4 spiritual directors, with Jim Drazdowski as the chair. Other officers include, vice-chair Audrey Jernigan, Secretary Allyson Stanland and Treasurer Al Jackson. The commission extends sincere gratitude and appreciation to David ³Sandy² Sandbach, Carolyn Murdock, and Hugh Papy for their service as they rotate off the commission and to Suzanne Wilson who resigned because of other commitments. The commission welcomes Eli Irvin, Mary Ann Miller and Clay Byars as new commission members.
Since the last report, the commission has met four times. Two weekends were held in 2010: #116 in February, #117 in October. Commission members and volunteers conducted Days of Deeper Understanding after each weekend. Plans approved by the commission are to conduct two weekends in 2011, one in March and one in October. Applications for team and participants are available on the Cursillo of Georgia website at http://sites.google.com/site/georgiacursillo. The commission hopes to replace the current website with a space on the diocesan website.
Additionally, the Southeast District, of which the Diocese of Georgia is a member, sent a team to conduct an Episcopal Cursillo Leaders Workshop in our Diocese. Twenty-nine attendees came from Georgia, Florida, South Carolina and North Carolina. Three members of the Cursillo Commission also attended National Episcopal Cursillo Convention (NECC) in Myrtle Beach, SC, where they met with cursillistas from throughout the United States and Bahamas and had an opportunity to meet in smaller group settings with the members of Southeastern District.
The immediate goals of the Commission on Cursillo are to:
- Find ways to include younger people at Cursillo
- Continue to improve communicate Georgia Cursillo is now on Facebook
- Update manuals plans are still in place to put all manuals on compact disc to enhance consistency and to eliminate the need to transfer many boxes and notebooks from one rector to the next
- Update the By-laws and Guidelines to reflect the current situation within the diocese
- Continue to Develop an Active Servant Community If one has expertise that can be used, one should contact the commission. Names, addresses and phone numbers of commission members are on the website and in every newsletter. If one wishes to contact the commission about any matter relating to Cursillo, one should take liberty do so.
-Jim Drazdowski, Chair
Deacon School for Ministry/Deacon Formation Committee
The Deacon Formation Committee (DFC) and Deacon School for Ministry (DSM) underwent significant changes this year. New leadership for each occurred with Bishop Benhase appointing Deacon John Warner as the chairperson of the DFC and Deacon Sandy Reinke as DSM Director.
The DFC was reorganized with two deacon representatives per convocation as voting members and the DSM Director and WebDeacon as ex officio members. The DFC assisted the Bishop this year in developing the documents, Requirements for Ordination as Deacon and Deacon¹s Agreement. During December¹s DFC meeting agenda items included a proposed policy for students seeking DSM reinstatement after an extended absence, DSM budget expenditures and continuing education requirements for the deacons.
In 2010, the DSM was reenergized with an outstanding collection of new examining chaplains who brought new ideas into an already successful program. This year, Nancy Byers, George Scott, Carol Murdoch, and Nancy Sartin Richardson completed all DSM components. George and Nancy were ordained vocational deacons in 2010 and Carol in January of 2011. Our major projects were to set some academic standards that could be applied across
competencies and to do some continuing education as part of the traditional deacon¹s conference in December.
We were delighted to add several new students to the program Leeanne Culbreath, and Larry Jesion to make a total of six students currently in DSM. We look forward to adding more as the 2011 year goes on.
This year, our focus will be on doing our first Lenten retreat for our vocational deacons. This retreat will be hosted by St. Phillip’s, Hinesville. We will also be continuing work on developing clearer standards for determining whether a student has successfully completed a competency.
Finally, one other special project deserves mention: our bishop will be joining us for DSM’s Liturgics weekend, July 22-23, to doing an instructed confirmation. All currently-serving deacons should plan on attending this special weekend.
-The Rev. Deacons John Warner and Sandy Reinke
Diocesan Council
Report still to come
Episcopal Church Women (ECW)
The ECW, Diocese of Georgia, has had a busy year. In each of our convocations, coordinators organized and supported activities, such as a “Quiet Day” in the month of March and a “Day of Sharing” in the month of October. Diocesan United Thank Offering coordinator, Carolyn Gay, assisted our convocation coordinators in organizing and supporting UTO drives in many churches. ECW believes that UTO is an important part of our ministry. Another important part of our ministry is the Church Periodical Club. Suzanne Harrow is coordinator and has assisted convocation coordinators in
explaining the ministry and promoting raising funds for this worthy cause. The ECW theme for 2010 was “Growing in Grace with Children.” Obviously our theme was based upon the National theme adopted at Triennial, and we have made it our goal for the next three years to work toward helping our young people, both those in our churches and those who are more disadvantaged. In accordance with that mission, we have contributed money to Kid’s Café, an after school program of tutoring those children who have no one waiting at home and also providing them with a hot meal. Another contribution went to Camp Phun, a summer camp for children who have a parent or both parents incarcerated. A third mission supported was Youth Challenge, a resident program for at-risk young people who have dropped out of school and have no future without the intervention of this program. There is a Youth Challenge camp in both the Savannah and the Augusta area. We are proud of our work in these ministries. The highlight of our year was our Annual Meeting at which our theme was pursued. Attendees met and discussed and shared the things their churches are doing with children, and we had a wonderful speaker in Marc Harshman, a noted author of children’s books and an entertaining story teller. The meeting occurred at the beautiful Honey Creek, and the venue served to make the meeting even more special. We are looking to 2011 when we will concentrate on “Teens Growing in Grace.” I look forward to another productive year.
-CeCile Steele, ECW Diocesan president
Education for Ministry (EfM)
All baptized persons are called to ministry. The Education for Ministry program (EfM), linking faith and life, provides the education to carry out that ministry. EfM offers an opportunity to explore, with others, the richness of our Christian heritage in order to discover our own way of living and working to God’s praise and glory. Study of Old Testament, New Testament, church history and theology is enhanced by focus on theological reflection and prayer life.
Lay people face the difficult and often subtle task of interpreting the richness of the church’s faith in a complex and confusing world. They need the kind of theological education that supports their faith and trains them to express this in day-to-day living. As emphasis on lay ministry grows, EfM can be an important part of that growth by providing a program that develops an informed and knowledgeable laity.
In 2010, the Diocese of Georgia has 14 active mentors, 5 co-mentors, 15 groups with a total of 131 students.
Mentors/co-mentors are Leeann Culbreath/Allen Lamb, Bill Haymon, Al Jackson, Curtis Johnson, Joan Kilian, Jeanie Manier, Carolyn Murdoch/Barbara Edson, Geri Nelson, Jim Purks/Gordon Zeese, Willa Robinson, Nancy Sartin, John Warner/Ray Whiting.
To become an EfM mentor, a person must complete mentor training and be certified by a mentor trainer provided by the School of Theology at the University of the South, Sewanee, TN. Each training requires 18 contact hours, and certification must be renewed every 12-18 months. Those interested in finding a group, starting a group, becoming a mentor or if you have questions may call Dcn. Marty Meuschke, 912-577-3816 or email martymeuschke@gmail.com. Additional information is available at www.sewanee.edu/EFM/index.htm.
-The Rev. Deacon Marty Meuschke
Episcopal Youth and Children’s Services (EYCS)
The singular work of the Episcopal Youth and Childrens Services Board continued unabated through 2010, despite the limitations imposed by declining investment income. In the midst of an economic climate which could certainly dampen even the most generous of Christian hearts, we experienced a number of increased gifts from our member parishes, and look forward to 2011 with a renewed enthusiasm for our mission.
As has been our tradition, the EYCS solicited applications for financial assistance from students whose families are members of the churches in the Diocese of Georgia. Assistance was provided in the form of scholarship supplements for higher education, as well as for assistance with expenses related to camp activities at Honey Creek. Tuition grants for college totaled $64,550, while grants for Honey Creek activities saw a nearly 100% increase, to a record $7,340.
The grants for our students are generated from the previous year’s income, which includes interest from CDs, some interest and dividend income from trust accounts held for the benefit of the EYCS, and outside gifts such as the annual Thanksgiving offering. Ten percent of each year’s income is reserved for camp assistance; a figure that until this year was seldom achieved. Early in 2010, we became aware that Camp Honey Creek was experiencing significant financial difficulties and, knowing from the experiences of our own children as well as from the many expressions of gratitude received from past campers, we decided that our contribution should be dramatically increased. In discussion, we determined that the previous method of responding to applications for assistance was simply inefficient. It is the Camp leadership team which determines who will be a camper, and so in the future we will simply determine the dollar amount corresponding to our ten-percent policy, and send that on early in the season, in order that the Camp leadership may use those funds as needed to provide assistance to the campers they accept.
Nearly coincidental with that decision, the EYCS received a most generous gift from a former scholarship recipient. She wrote a lovely note to us, enclosing a check which repaid all (and then some) of the grants she received while an undergraduate. Her gift will become part of the monies disbursed during 2011, and has inspired us to make contact with other scholarship recipients, to see whether they might be able to join her efforts to bolster the funds available for distribution. Our enthusiasm for the wonderful service we are allowed to give back to the children of our Diocese by serving on the board of the EYCS is renewed by the generosity of these gifts. On behalf of the Board, I thank you for this privilege.
HIV/AIDS
The Church of the Good Shepherd and St. Alban¹s members and clergy are major supporters of St. Stephen¹s HIV/AIDS Ministry. Together, these two parishes comprise over half of St. Stephen¹s Board of Directors. St. Stephens provides transitional housing and counseling for homeless HIV/AIDS survivors. The ministry also provides rental and utility assistance, emergency medication assistance, food assistance and bus tokens for HIV/AIDS affected families and individuals living in Richmond County and surrounding counties served by the local Public Health Departments. The Medical College of GA and the Public Health Department are main sources of referral for St.
Stephens¹ transitional housing and other services. The housing and other services are funded by a Housing Opportunities for Persons with HIV/AIDS grant (HOPWA) administered by HUD. The Ryan White foundation provides funds for medication. The Church of the Good Shepherd makes a very generous annual donation that is used for medical assistance. Without Good Shepherd’s donation, many who need assistance with the cost of medicine would be turned away. The United Way provides some monthly funding. Fundraising is a major project for the Board. The ministry is totally dependent on grants for operation which means that there are no funds for non-reimbursable expenses as specified in the grant. The Red Ribbon Ball, an annual fundraiser held on or very close to World AIDS day, nets some undesignated funds but not enough to accumulate savings from one year to the next. The Board is determined to improve St. Stephen’s financial status. Many thanks to Integrity GA for providing funds for the annual Province IV HIV/AIDS Retreat held at Kanuga this past June. With increased co-pays from Public Health clients and St. Stephens’ clients, 23 were able to attend the retreat. This year marked the 19th retreat for Province IV. This
years’ theme was “A Spirit-Filled Weekend of Hope, Music & Rejuvenation.”
The retreat leader was Rev. Dr. Keith Riddle who is a Minister-at Large within the Presbyterian Church (USA). Dr. Riddle shared in his biography and in his retreat meditations that he was diagnosed with HIV in 2000. He has focused his ministry on those living with the virus since the beginning of the AIDS crises. Ann Caldwell, a full time jazz vocalist, blues singer and musical producer from Charleston, SC, was the retreat leader. Approximately 250 people from eleven dioceses in Province IV attended the retreat. I look forward to expanding the HIV/AIDS ministry to include the pediatric population living with the virus.
-The Rev. Deacon Rosalyn Panton
Honey Creek
2010 has been a challenging year for our camp and conference center. On the positive side, we installed a Disc Golf course which has been a hit with the youth and with disc golf players in the area, continued our work on the improvement of our services to guests, hosted major new events such as CREDO and the Church Development Institute, and began the revamping of the youth summer camps. We have diligently sought feedback from our guests, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. During 2010, we also held our first phone-a-thon for the annual fund, which raised over $15,000 in a single weekend!
The not so positive side of this report is the financial picture at Honey Creek. While we have been able to maintain our current level of utilization at a time when other centers such as Epworth have seen major declines, our current utilization does not produce enough revenue to sustain our operations. As a result, Honey Creek has exhausted its line of credit with its lender. Staff cuts were made mid-year, and our remaining employees have done a splendid job in keeping up the level of service, but even these cuts have been insufficient to place Honey Creek in the black. It is the belief of the Honey Creek Commission that only a turnaround in the overall economy will suffice to increase the number of guests staying at the center and thereby enable Honey Creek to operate on a break even or better basis. The question that the Commission has wrestled with this year is how does Honey Creek survive in the meantime? To complicate matters further, Honey Creek is showing distressing signs of deferred maintenance which the Commission acknowledges must be dealt with now; this very expensive maintenance simply cannot be deferred any longer.
The solution that the Commission has devised, which has been approved by both Diocesan Council and the Standing Committee, is to raise $2,000,000 through the sale of bonds, using $900,000 to pay off the existing bank debt, $700,000 for deferred maintenance, $350,000 for working capital for the next three years, and $50,000 for the expenses of the issuance of the bonds. While this course of action will result in a larger debt ($2,000,000 versus $900,00), it will resolve most of the deferred maintenance issues and give Honey Creek the working capital it needs to keep the doors open for three more years. While success is never a forgone conclusion, the Commission
genuinely believes that Honey Creek can be operating on a break even or better basis within three years.
It was not an easy matter for the Commission to recommend this course of action because it involves increasing the debt of Honey Creek, which is the debt of the Diocese. It was not an easy matter for Diocesan Council or the
Standing Committee to give their approvals. The other options, however, were even more unappealing. If Honey Creek did not attend to the deferred maintenance and raise working capital, then it would have to be closed and sold. The sale of Honey Creek in the current depressed real estate market would be a disaster; the appraised values of Honey Creek and similar properties have declined by 90% in the last three years. Selling now would mean giving Honey Creek away. However, real estate values are expected to increase over the next several years such that the additional debt from the sale of bonds will be more than offset by the increase in value of the property. Thus, the additional debt makes more financial sense than closing Honey Creek and selling it even if Honey Creek is not able to break even in three years.
Rest assured that this borrowing is not just another in a long line of ever increasing loans for Honey Creek. The Commission, Diocesan Council, and the Standing Committee are all operating under the understanding that Honey Creek has three years to get its operations back to breaking even. If not, Honey Creek will be sold. In short, if our Diocese wants a camp and conference center, then we as a Diocese have to use it and promote it to others outside of the Diocese. If we do that, then Honey Creek will survive; if not, then we will loose it. We on the Commission, along with the staff of Honey Creek, know that we must do our part to make sure that we provide an excellent experience for all those staying at Honey Creek. It is our prayer that the members of the Diocese of Georgia, especially those who
have never been to Honey Creek or have not stayed with us in several years, will come to Honey Creek, enjoy the exquisite beauty of the center, and support this holy place that has meant so much to the life of our Diocese. If that happens, Honey Creek will surely thrive.
-The Rev. Ted H. Clarkson, Chair, Honey Creek Commission
IntegrityGA
Integrity Georgia achieved chapter status within the national IntegrityUSA organization, a nonprofit organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Episcopalians and our straight friends. Integrity Georgia was established in the Diocese of Georgia nine years ago, Nov 2001; IntegrityUSA, now a national Episcopal Church organization, started 34 years ago at Fort Valley, Georgia by Dr. Louie Crew, who was at that time a professor at Fort Valley State College.
Pledged at diocesan convention Feb 2010, Integrity Georgia raised $2000.00 for St. Stephen’s Ministry, Augusta, GA for the annual HIV/AIDS Retreat held at Kanuga,NC.
Bishop Benhase first met with Integrity Georgia July 10th at Trinity Church, Cochran; concerns over the diocesan Canon I Ethical Conduct were voiced at this lunch meeting for 35 folks. Bishop Benhase met again December 18th at St.Anne¹s Church, Tifton; St. Margaret of Scotland, Moultrie was co-host for this luncheon meeting also featuring a guest speaker on Bullying, Abby Drue, of the Ben Marion Institute, Atlanta,GA. 36 folks traveled from across the diocese to attend this meeting. A beautiful hand-made quilt, made by member Sarah Smith-Riggle of St. Barnabas, Valdosta, was presented that will be used to raise funds for out-reach ministries. Integrity Georgia met two additional times, at the Feb 2010 Convention and for a special planning meeting July 30th at Trinity Church, Statesboro. A new sub-unit was formed at St. Paul’s, Savannah, Sept. 21st. Integrity participated in three LGBT Pride Festivals: Augusta June 19th; Savannah Sept 11th; and Valdosta Sept 18th.
There are over 80 persons on an e-list for regular updates from Integrity Georgia. Additionally, emails are sent to convocation deans, clergy, and CIGA on a periodic basis. A website, www.integrityga.org was developed and activated by member/treasurer John Clemens of St. Paul’s Augusta. There are Integrity networks and chapters in most of the dioceses of the Episcopal Church. Membership in IntegrityUSA has an automatic membership in Integrity Georgia. For additional information: www.integrityusa.org
Currently 13 Welcoming Churches within our diocese are listed on the chapter’s website, www.integrityga.org Anyone wanting additional information or would like to talk with Integrity members should contact an Integrity Georgia officer: Jamie Maury, Coordinator, phone: 912-659-8585, email: jamiemaury@bellsouth.net; Fred Richter, Co-Coordinator, phone: 912-587-5624, email: richterf@bulloch.net; Kay Smith-Riggle, Secretary, phone: 229-244-5664, email: cks081@yahoo.com; John Clemens, Treasurer, phone: 803-295-7120 email: webmaster@integrityga.org
“We give you thanks, O God, we give you thanks.” Ps.75
-Jamie Maury, Coordinator
Sewanee: 2009-2010 Academic Year
College of Arts & Sciences enrollment from the Diocese of Georgia for the 2009-2010 academic year: 12 students, 4 of whom report themselves to be Episcopalians; School of Theology enrollment from the Diocese of Georgia for the 2009-2010 academic year: 7 students; 2009-2010 Financial aid awarded to all undergraduate students from the Diocese of Georgia: $96,788.00; 2009-2010 Amount of support from Georgia churches and the Diocese of Georgia: $22,825.00
Governing board representatives from Georgia:
Board of Trustees: The Rt. Rev. Henry I. Louttit, Jr. D.D., The Rev. Robert Fain (2011), Thomas J. C. Smyth, Jr. (2010); William R. Bruce (2012)
School of Theology Programs Center information for Georgia: Education for Ministry (EfM) groups: 15; EfM Diocesan Coordinator: None
About Sewanee: The University of the South, popularly known as Sewanee, is home to both an outstanding liberal arts college and a seminary of the Episcopal Church. Located atop the Cumberland Plateau between Nashville and Chattanooga, Tenn., Sewanee’s 13,000-acre campus < the second largest campus in the United States < provides vast opportunities for research, recreation, and reflection. Within the traditionally strong curriculum of humanities, sciences, and graduate theological studies, Sewanee faculty members promote intellectual growth, critical thinking, and hands-on research. According to its mission statement, Sewanee ³is an institution of the Episcopal Church dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom in close community and in full freedom of inquiry, and enlightened by Christian faith in the Anglican tradition, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds, to the end that students be prepared to search for truth, seek justice, preserve liberty under law, and serve God and humanity.”
Sewanee’s Relationship to the Episcopal Church The University of the South, an institution of the Episcopal Church, was founded by church leaders from the southeastern United States in 1857. Sewanee is the only university in the nation that is owned and governed by dioceses of the Episcopal Church, specifically the 28 dioceses that are
successors to the original founding dioceses. The University’s Board of Trustees is composed of the bishops of the 28
dioceses, together with clerical and lay representatives elected by each diocese and representatives of other University constituencies. The Board of Regents, to which the Board of Trustees delegates some of its responsibilities for governance, is composed of Episcopal bishops, priests, and lay people, and may include a limited number of members of other Christian bodies. The Chancellor of the University, elected by the Board of Trustees, is a bishop from one of the 28 dioceses. The historic ownership and governance of the University by these Episcopal dioceses has produced a living synergy of leadership, resource, and mutual support, enriching the Church and advancing the University’s role in American higher education.
2009-2010 Statistics: College of Arts and Sciences students: 1,436; Undergraduate Class of 2012: 402; SAT combined (middle 50% range): 1120-1340; ACT (middle 50% range): 25-30; High School GPA: 3.6; Female 52%, Male 48%; Student/faculty ratio: 10.5 to 1; Percentage of college students declaring Episcopal heritage: 27.7%; Majors offered (college): 36; Minors offered (college): 32; College Tuition and Fees: 43,932; College Faculty: Full Time 127, Part Time 29; School of Theology residential students: 71; Newly enrolled students: 22; Returning students: 45; Female 23, Male 44; School of Theology Tuition and Fees: $18,170; School of Theology Faculty: Full Time – 10, Part Time 9; School of Theology summer graduate students: 60; Degrees offered (seminary): Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Theology, Master of Sacred Theology, Doctor of Ministry. Doctor of Ministry in Preaching, Other programs: Diploma of Anglican Studies, Certificate of Theological Studies; University Fiscal Year July 1, 2008June 30, 2009; Unrestricted operating revenues: $67.6 million; Endowment: $274 million (Sept. 30, 2009) Additional Facts: Thirty-three percent of Sewanee students receive need-based financial aid; Sewanee had 25 Rhodes Scholars, 38 Watson Fellows,
and 27 National Collegiate Athletic Association Postgraduate Scholars; thirty percent of students participate in intercollegiate sports; more than half of the students are active in community service projects; Education for Ministry has enrolled more than 80,000 participants since 1975 and has more than 7,500 active students.
2009-2010 News and Events
Finances and Academic Grants
-Associate Professor of Chemistry Rob Bachman has been awarded a major grant from the National Science Foundation in support of his research into new liquid crystalline materials. The grant will provide $276,000 in funding over the next three years and will provide for supplies, eqipment, and research internships for four Sewanee students.
-Sewanee’s Chemistry and Biology Departments were awarded a $350,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to support the purchase of a new mass spectrometry system.
-Karen Kuers, professor of forestry in the Department of Forestry and Geology, is part of a team that received a $494,980 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish an ecological research and education network among faculty at primarily undergraduate institutions.
College of Arts and Sciences
-In October, the University experienced tragedy when four Sewanee crew team members were struck by a tractor trailer while driving to practice at Lake Dimmick < Kathryn (Katy) Christianson, C’12, of Chattanooga, and Kathleen
Beach, C’13, of Clarksville, TN.
-Nineteen students, including eleven from Sewanee, explored vocations in service this summer as part of the eighth Summer Discerment Institute. Students interested in ministry or service with non-profit organizations
spent six weeks as interns in locations from Atlanta to Kenya.
-The Sewanee Outing Program organized 27 Sewanee cyclists to ride 150 miles and raise $8,700 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The SOP has trained Sewanee students to ride in the MS150 for the past eight years, raising a total of more than $64,000.
-Three Sewanee sophomores have been selected as the 2010-2011 Carey Fellows. The Fellowships carry a scholarship and a one-semester paid internship. Sophomores planning to declare a business minor and who have maintained a
3.3 grade point average are eligible to compete for this honors program.
-Will Watson, C ’12, biked across the country this summer in support of Falling Whistles, a campaign for peace in Congo. Watson and four other young men, from Duke, Dallas Baptist University, and the University of Arkansas,
began their ride May 28 in Wilmington, N.C., and finished in Los Angeles.
-The Sewanee women’s soccer team was named 2009 Tournament Champions at the Birmingham-Southern Invitational after defeating Mississippi College and Berry College over the weekend.
-The University announced the first three 2009-10 recipients of the Pearigen Award for Commitment to Community: Bevin Williams, Annie Maselli, and Will Watson.
-Recent Sewanee graduate Jordan Casey C’09, of Charleston, S.C. was awarded an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship. With 27 Postgraduate Scholarship recipients, Sewanee ranks among the nation’s leading institutions in any NCAA division.
-Approximately 340 members of the class of 2010 graduated on May 16 during the Baccalaureate Service in All Saints’ Chapel.
Sewanee: 2009-2010 Academic Year (cont’d)
-The University of the South created the Center for Religion and Environment, which connects the University’s College of Arts and Sciences, its School of Theology, and its All Saints’ Chapel in order to develop educational programs and public forums that unite environmental learning and action with faith practices. The new center is the latest manifestation of Sewanee’s long-time commitment to the environment.
-Throughout the course of this past year, Honorary Degrees were bestowed upon the following: Dr. Cleveland Sellers, Jr. received an honorary Doctor of Civil Law; Jim Lehrer received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters; Dr. Bonnie Anderson received an honorary Doctor of Canon Law; James M. Fail received a Doctor of Civil Law; Morton M. Kondracke received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters; John Meacham received an honorary Doctor of
Letters; David Beckmann received honorary Doctor of Civil Law degrees; Barbara Pierce Bush received honorary Doctor of Civil Law degrees.
Faculty and Administration: The Rt. Rev. J. Neil Alexander, Bishop of the Diocese of Atlanta, was elected the 23rd Chancellor of the University of the South. Alexander succeeded the Rt. Rev. Henry N. Parsley Jr., who had served
as Chancellor since May 2003. David C. Humphreys, C79, President and Chief Executive Officer of TAMKO Building Products, Inc., of Joplin, Missouri, was electeded Chair of the University’s Board of Regents, succeeding Claude B.
Nielsen, C73, in that role. Martha Boal Willis, C82, Chief Marketing Officer of OppenheimerFunds, was elected Secretary of the Board, succeeding Richard Lodge, C71, of Nashville. The elections came during the Regents’ fall 2009 meeting held October 11-13 at the University, and were followed by the election of new Regents by the University¹s Board of Trustees on October 14. Those elected by the Trustees to serve on the Board of Regents are:
-The Rt. Rev. John C. Bauerschmidt, H’07, Bishop of Tennessee (six-year term)
-The Rt. Rev. Rayford B. High, C63, Bishop Suffragan of Texas (two-year term, filling the seat vacated by the newly-elected Chancellor, Bishop Neil Alexander of the Diocese of Atlanta)
-The Rev. R. Leigh Spruill, T96, Rector of St. George’s Church, Nashville (six-year term)
-Mr. Anthony C. Gooch, C59, retired attorney, New York, NY (six-year term)
-Mr. W. Alexander Moseley, C70, attorney, Mobile, AL (six-year term) The Board of Trustees of the University of the South elected a distinguished historian and national leader in liberal arts education to be the University’s 16th President and Vice- Chancellor < John M. McCardell Jr., president emeritus of Middlebury College, following a national search that began in February 2009. McCardell’s appointment was effective July 1. He succeeds Joel Cunningham, who retired June 30, 2010, after 10 years as Vice-Chancellor.
Jennifer Bachman, chemistry lab coordinator and inventory specialist at Sewanee, was awarded certification as a Certified Scientific Materials Manager at the annual meeting of the National Association of Scientific Materials Managers (NAOSMM) held last month in Boise, ID. Sewanee¹s Executive Director of the Associated Alumni Jay Fisher, C’79, was appointed acting dean of admission and financial aid in August 2009. Officer Susan Askew, C’86, served as acting executive director of the Associated Alumni during the time Fisher led the admission and financial aid
programs.
For the fourth time in eight years a member of Sewanee¹s faculty was named Tennessee Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). David Haskell, a member of the biology faculty since 1996, was selected from among more than 300 top professors in the United States nominated for Professor of the Year.
President Barack Obama appointed Ken Smith, associate professor of Forestry and Geology at Sewanee, as a member of the Board of Directors of the Valles Caldera Trust. Smith was nominated for the position by N.M. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall.
The Rev. Dr. Walter Brownridge, associate dean for community life at The School of Theology, was appointed to serve on the Standing Commission on Constitutions and Canons for the Episcopal Church. The appointment, made by
Dr. Bonnie Anderson, president of the House of Deputies, is for a term ending with the General Convention in 2015.
Vice Chancellor Joel Cunningham, on behalf of the Board of Regents, named The Very Rev. Dr. William S. Stafford, dean of The School of Theology, to the Charles T. Quintard Chair of Dogmatic Theology. The Reverend Marion Josiah Hatchett, Th.D., died August 7 in Sewanee, Tennessee. For 30 years from 1969 to 1999 he served with distinction as
professor of liturgy and church music at the School of Theology of the University of the South in Sewanee. A priest of the Episcopal Church, he served parishes in the dioceses of Upper South Carolina and South Carolina prior to his appointment to the faculty at Sewanee.
Professor and author Dr. Joseph E. Monti retired from the faculty of the University of the South School of Theology effective June 30. Monti, who came to Sewanee in 1982, was professor of Christian ethics and theology.
The Rev. Dr. Robert Hughes, professor of systematic theology and Norma and Olan Mills professor of divinity at the School of Theology, was named the inaugural recipient of a major new award for scholarship in pneumatology The School of Theology appointmented Karen M. Meridith as director of the Education for Ministry program. Mary Ann Patterson was appointed director of communications and church relations.
The School of Theology
The University of the South’s School of Theology added a new degre offering as part of its Advanced Degrees Program The Doctor of Ministry in Preaching, a new track in the existing Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree
program. The School of Theology was chosen as one of six sites worldwide to host a regional group working on a major new project of the Anglican Communion. The Rev. Dr. Robert MacSwain OGS, instructor of theology and Christian ethics at Sewanee, has been named the coordinator of the North American regional group.
The 2009 DuBose Lectures featured the Rev. Dr. Michael Battle, Provost and Canon Theologian of the Cathedral Center of St. Paul in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. The recipients of the 2009 DuBose Awards for Service
were the Rev. Dr. Joseph N. Green Jr. and the Rev. James McKeown. The Rev. Green was the first African American to earn a degree from the School of Theology, earning his STM in 1965. Recently retired, he served Grace Episcopal Church in Norfolk, VA for 30 years. The Rev. McKeown is known for his social justice work, especially serving the homeless. On May 14, 33 students from The School of Theology received recognition during a Convocation for the Conferring of Degrees and Presentation of St. Luke’s Crosses. The Rt. Rev. Neil Alexander, chancellor of the University
and bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, presided at the Eucharist and presented St. Luke’s crosses to the graduates. Vice Chancellor Joel Cunningham and the Very Rev. Dr. William S. Stafford, dean of The School of
Theology, presented the diplomas.
During the course of the year, Honorary Degrees were presented to the following: The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew “Andy” Doyle received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree; The Rev. Barbara Cawthorne Crafton received an honorary
Doctor of Humane Letters; The Rt. Rev. Jean Zaché Duracin received an honorary Doctor of Divinity; The Rev. Joseph N. Green, Jr. received an honorary Doctor of Canon Law.
The Diversity, Social and Environmental Team of The Episcopal Church and the Young Adult and Campus Ministries, in partnership with The School of Theology, hosted a vocational discernment conference for young people of
color. Aptly titled “Why Serve: Discerning God’s Call,” the conference welcomed 40 young people representing diverse ethnic, socio-economic, and cultural backgrounds from 17 dioceses.
The School of Theology hosted the Oklahoma IV 2010 Consultation a gathering of lay and ordained Native American leaders in the Episcopal Church that will focus on the recognition of Indigenous peoples and their traditions while furthering the cause for reconciliation. The consultation was sponsored in part by the School of Theology in collaboration with the Indigenous Theological Training Institute (ITTI), The Episcopal Church office of Native Ministry, and the Executive Council’s Committee on Indigenous Ministry (ECCIM).
Standing Committee
The Standing Committee met together three times in 2010 to conduct regular business of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia and to give advice and council to the Diocesan. The Standing Committee also met in one special called meeting at the Desoto Hilton, Savannah, GA on Friday, January 22, 2010 to consider consent of the Episcopal consecration of Bishop Suffragan Elect, Canon Mary Glasspool, for the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. In regular business, the Standing Committee was convened on: January 8 & 9, 2010 at Trinity Episcopal Church, Statesboro, GA; May 7 & 8,2010 at Christ Church, Valdosta, GA and October 22 & 23, 2010 at St. Mark’s Church, Brunswick, GA. The following actions were taken:
1. Recommended consent for Candidacy to: George Scott, Robert Ploglase, William Dolen, Marcia McRae, Susan Hill, Steve Larson, Al Crumpton, Barry Crow, Abi White Moon, Remington Sloan, Carol Murdoch, Harry Jenkins, Nancy
Byars, Walter Hobgood, Nancy Richardson, and Sierra Wilkinson
2. Approved for ordination to the Vocational Diaconate: Nancy Richardson, Carolyn Murdoch, and George Scott
3. Approved for ordination to the Transitional Diaconate: Robert Polglase, William Dolen, Marcia McRae, Abi White Moon, Barry Crow, Walter Hobgood, Al Crumpton, Sierra Wilkinson, Remington Slone, and Harry Jenkins
4 . Approved for ordination to the Priesthood: The Rev. Deacon Justin Yawn, The Rev. Deacon Lynn Prather, The Rev. Deacon Jim Elliott, and The Rev. Deacon William Dolen
5. Consent given for Episcopal elections: The Rev. David Earle Bailey, Bishop of Navajoland; The Rev. Canon James B. Magness, Bishop of Southern Virginia; The Rev. John Sheridan Smylie, Bishop of Wyoming; The Rev. Terry Allen White, Bishop of Kentucky; The Rev. Mark Lattime, Bishop of Alaska; The Rev. Scott B. Hayashi, Bishop of Utah
6. Consent withheld for Episcopal consecration to: The Rev. Canon Mary Glasspool, Bishop Suffragan Elect, for the Diocese of Los Angeles
7. Consent given for Parochial/Diocesan action:
-All Saints’, Tybee Island proposes to purchase property near Church.
-Christ Church, Frederica proposes to demolish derelict structure located on Worthington Rd, St. Simons.
-Revised plans for the construction of a new church building for St. Patrick’s Pooler.
-Honey Creek Commission proposes a plan to issue unsecured bond in the amount of two million dollars at five percent interest annually, paid semiannually, maturing in fifteen years, callable by the Diocese at any time. Bonds would not be sold outside the sate of Georgia. The Atlanta law firm, Kilpatrick Stockton, LLP has been retained to advise.
-Bridge Loan to Bishop and Mrs. Benhase up to one hundred twenty-thousand dollars ($120,000.00) at one and one-half per cent (01.50%) interest for down payment on property on Troup Square, Savannah, GA pending sale of the
Benhase Washington, DC property.
In addition, the Standing Committee also served as a Council of Advice for the Diocesan on other matters presented to it, when requested.
-The Very Reverend Billy J. Alford, President
Youth and Young Adult Ministries
Report still to come
United Thank Offering
The United Thank Offering is a spiritual and financial partner program for the mission of the whole Church, founded and administered by women since 1889. UTO is entrusted to promote thank offerings, to receive the offerings, and to distribute the monies through grants to address both domestic and international needs. The independent, elected, and volunteer UTO Board awards and administers these grants within the framework of the policies and procedures of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society (DFMS) of The Episcopal Church. The UTO Board is composed of a Province Representative from each of the nine provinces of the Episcopal Church and three continuing members serving at large, who represent the provincial regions of the Anglican Communion. It is staffed by the UTO Coordinator, who works in The Episcopal Church Center in New York. The mission of the United Thank Offering is to “expand the circle of thankful people”. When we continue the tradition of daily prayers, offerings, and awareness of God’s abundant blessings, we make the mission a reality.
In 2010, the Diocese of Georgia, through the participation of nineteen churches, contributed $16,611.27 to the Domestic & Foreign Missionary Society, representing the gifts of fall and spring Ingatherings. As last year, this contribution amount could change if churches sent their contribution directly to DFMS and not through the coordinator. With your thankfulness and generosity in 2009, Province IV UTO contributions totaled $517,394.32 out of a whole church total of $2,029,142.29. A separate United Thank Offering Memorial and Gift Trust Fund was established as a permanent trust in 1982 from separate donations for that purpose. The fund is used to support the UTO Board, to provide materials for the extensive diocesan and parish volunteer network to help them increase awareness of UTO and encourage more thankful prayers and offerings in the blue box.
In 2010, the national UTO Board awarded a $30,000 grant to the Goodwin Community Health Center, Inc., DBA Coastal Medical Access Project (CMAP) for their Alive & Lively© service, which addresses the needs of women and men who have diabetes but are uninsured and cannot afford care. They are expanding a pilot program that successfully aids these patients in the management of the disease. One grant application for the 2011 year has been received from FaithWorks, a non-profit organization located in Brunswick for $40,000 to purchase property and to create permanent, supportive housing for 40 to 50 residents with disabilities who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Christ Church Frederica and St. Marks Brunswick are strong supporters of this organization.
Visit www.episcopalchurch.org/uto for current news, detailed information on grant application and policy changes, and other interesting and useful information.
UTO is a wonderful way for families to give thanks to God for the many blessings in their lives. It demonstrates what we are able to achieve in our lives and how we share our love.
-Carolyn Gay, Coordinator
