Upcoming Events

"Share the Hope": Next Diocesan Leadership Days coming up June 5, 10, 19

Don't miss this opportunity to gather with like-sized churches

Attend the day that's right for your church!

Transitional churches, June 5; Resource congregations, June 10; Family-size churches, June 19

"Share the Hope," a series of five diocesan leadership days organized according to church size, began April 24 at All Saints', Clinton. The April 24 event was dedicated to program-size congregations, those whose average Sunday attendance (ASA) ranges from 225 to 800. A second event, for pastoral-size congregations (50-140) was held at All Saints' on May 1.

Three more days are on tap, June 5 (transitional churches, ASA 141-224), June 10 (resource congregations, 800+), and June 19 (family-size churches, 1-50)—all to be held at All Saints', Clinton.

All clergy, elected lay leadership (wardens, vestry, and delegates), lay staff, and interested others are encouraged to attend the Leadership Day designed for their congregation.

These events offer time for worship, sharing congregational stories, listening to the stories of other faith communities, participating in interest groups around common topics, and entering into dialogue with our new bishop about the ministry we all share in the Diocese of Upper South Carolina.  For planning purposes RSVP is required.

Visit www.edusc.org/Leadershipfor more information. An RSVP link is found at the bottom of each day's agenda.

Questions? Contact Sue von, 803.771.7800, ext. 13.

Safe Church Trainings, June 12

• St. James, Greenvile
  Call 864.244.6358 or click here to register
  
  
• The Bishop Gravatt Center, Aiken
  Call 803.648.1817 or click here to register
  Registration deadline: June 8; Cost: $10; Refreshments served

For more information on upcoming training events, please visit www.edusc.org/SFM.Contact Roz Hook, 803.771.7800 x 20, to schedule a training in your church or institution.

Summer Concert Series at St. Timothy's, Columbia

• June 8
  Charles Fugo, piano
  
  
• July 13
  Stephen Humphries, hammered dulcimer
  
  
• August 3
  Christopher Berg, guitar

For more information about the upcoming concert series, please contact St. Timothy's, at 803.765.1519.

First annual Bassmaster Tournament at Gravatt July 31

Sign up your two-person team for the first annual Gravatt Bassmaster Fishing Tournament at the Bishop Gravatt Center, July 31, beginning at 9 a.m.

This event is a family friendly so take this opportunity to share the outdoors with youth you care about. Choose to fish from the bank, from a Gravatt canoe, or your own canoe, or you may bring your own boat (trolling motors only). This tournament will be catch and release only. Awards will given in many exciting categories.

Registration is online at bishopgravatt.org or download a registration form now!

Save the date: Reedy River Convocation Chili Cook-off set for October 3

Proceeds to benefit the diocesan Bread & Water Campaign

The Reedy River Convocation Chili Cook-off is set for Sunday, October 3, at the
Holy Cross Picnic Pavilion in Simpsonville.

Two entries of chili are invited from each of the 11 churches in the convocation. First and second place trophies awarded by judges +Andrew and Mary Waldo.

And it's all for a good cause: proceeds benefit the Bread and Water Campaign to support our diocesan ministries in Cange, Haiti.

Make your plans to attend now!

Save the date: October 22—A great evening to benefit Gravatt

Sponsors, hosts, volunteers, donations sought

Get out your dancing shoes - Gravatt is having a party. A BIG party in Columbia!

Mark your calendar for "Under the Tent... an evening benefiting Gravatt Camp and Conference Center" on October 22, 2010. The great sound of Heart 'n Soul Band will be at The Hall at Canal and Senate with Dupre's delicious food. Don't miss the opportunity to see old friends, pick up great items—including camper art—and dance the night away.

Sponsors, hosts, volunteers, and auction donations are being sought. For a list of volunteer needs and descriptions, sponsor opportunities, and host responsibilities, please visit www.bishopgravatt.org. If you are interested please contact Christine Koutrakos, Event Chair, at 803-608-0714 or ckoutrakos@aol.com.

Tickets for this adults-only event will be available beginning in July for $45 per person, $55 after October 1, and $65 at the door, which includes great food, adult beverages, and dancing. Look for information soon and purchase your tickets early.

Dallas Benedictine Experience, June 23-27

The 13th annual multi-denominational Dallas Benedictine Experience Retreat will take place at The Catholic Conference Center in Dallas from Wednesday, June 23, to Sunday, June 27, 2010.

This retreat is presented by The Friends of St. Benedict, Washington, D.C. Participants will live at the conference center for five days, forming a temporary monastic community to experience the balanced way of life of the Rule of St. Benedict as it divides each day into private and group prayer, study, work, and leisure. Four Benedictine Offices (Lauds, Sext, Vespers, and Compline) will be sung each day in Gregorian chant. There will also be two classes each day on Benedictine spirituality.

Retreat leaders are Sister Mary Donald Corcoran, O.S.B.Cam. and Father Dwight Longenecker. 

For more information, click here, e-mail dallasbenedictine@yahoo.com, or call 214.339.8483.