Today is the "Herald Hunt" (formerly known as the "Tropic Hunt). It will be held in downtown Miami. The main stage/starting point is at Bicentennial Park. There will also be part of it at the Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. Dave Barry is one of the creators and MC for the event.

Mr. S and I participated last year and he enjoyed it. I have done it at least 5 times and have always had a great time. It is a Scavenger Hunt/Puzzle solving day of surprises and fun ...... and all for free!

It is difficult to describe to those who have never heard of it or participated, so if you want to know more or see some video from past "Hunts" go to:

http://www.miamiherald.com/heraldhunt/

Irma update and the weekend....

Thanks for those who have given kind words and prayers for Irma. I am still a little tired and would like to thank Nilda, Mr. S, Ana, The Garcias, Carlely, church friends, the O'Neill's for helping my mom, sis and me with support, food, a smile, etc.

Irma is back to a regular a condition (as she was before Thursday). She is still in a hospital room because the doctor can not see her until Saturday morning. Hopefully she will be discharged, since there really isn't any real treatment for her condition. We, as a family, have decided to sign the DNR (Do Not Resuscitate Order) if this episode should occur again.

"Vitas" is a Hospice type service organization (they bill Medicare/Medicaid/Private Insurance). They have offered some assistance if she qualifies. We have heard that many times in the last 4 years.....let's see how it goes. I'm hopeful.

Today, I have a Youth Commission meeting at the Cathedral in downtown Miami and I have to give my report about the Happening #23 event last weekend and lead a Requiem service for the father of our Youth Commission President who passed away this week. (The President is 16 and will be 17 in November.)

After the meeting I will be with Mr. S. It looks like a laundry day and then a pleasant evening with The Mrs. Astor and some cocktails at Twist with the All American Boy Bartender, Tommy. That's it for right now.

Again, thank yous to all.....Enjoy the weekend.

A morning of anxiety...

Thought today would be productive and that Nicholas and I would have some "guy' time after I picked him up from school, but so much for that......

My cousin and I returned to Mom's after dropping off the boy at school, where we though we would then go out for breakfast. At the moment we walked in, the lady who assists with Irma's care said "she is not looking good". We went to the room and found Irma pale ... almost gray .... gasping for air. It almost looked like we had lost her. My cuz did quick CPR, I used the oxygen and my mom suctioned out phlegm. (I called 911 first, but they were not very helpful since they did not know the history and Irma's condition.) The EMT showed up and we went to Metropolitan Hospital (formerly Pan American Hospital).

We were attended quickly. I had printed out all of Irma's info and our Power of Attorney while she was being loaded in to the Emergency Vehicle. I travelled with her and my cuz took my mom. I called my sis and she met us later in the Emergency Room. Irma is stabilized and is being kept overnight for dehydration. Still waiting for blood test results, but x-rays were okay. This all occurred before before 12 noon.

Friends, clergy, family were called and they all came to give my mom support. I'm glad I got to speak to Mr. S.... his voice kept me calm and ready to keep going. I still have to get Nick at 3:30 from school and explain. I am still a little anxious, etc.

Until later...... I'll be better tomorrow........

Now, I am at home while Mom is at the hospital and my sis and

.....just.....

Getting "back on the horse" after a long, tiring, emotionally and physically draining, but great weekend. I have just gotten my long nights sleep and am about to eat a really big lunch.

Am looking forward to seeing Mr. S later. I'm really proud....he volunteered at the "Out in the Park" event without me!!! Nelly, a friend, ended up being the organizer, so I'm sure it went well. I have not heard anything about it yet.

Am going to spend the first part of the afternoon getting my crap back in order and then go to see Mr. S. Oh! I do have to exchange the shoes I got him for Halloween for a larger size ... will blog about that later.

Have good week!

Out in the Park - Gay Pride Miami Beach Kick-Off Event

Happening #23

This weekend I will be spending my time with appoximately 60 Episcopal High School youth at an event called Happening #23. (You can check out http://www.happeningnational.org/). It is a renewal weekend and I am one of the Co-coordinators. I have been working on the planning of this event for the last year and I can finally see the fruition of the hard work put in by the youth and adults on the leadership team.

There is time built in for different types of worship, music, free time, fun, fellowship, silliness and seriousness (in English and Spanish)..... all in an accepting and safe environment for all. Everyone, no matter of background, upbringing, economic difficulty, etc. is turned away. We are all God's children.

I'm really proud of the youth on the team. One of my main goals in working with youth is that they develop their leadership skills and take on the leadership roles and be "up front" all during the weekend. The adults should be there for support, take care of logistics (food, safety, lodging, etc), mentoring .... and when needed "parenting". There will be two clergy present for the whole weekend (one male and one female) to assist with Spiritual direction and matters. Bishop Frade will be with us on Saturday afternoon and all the parents and clergy are invited to the closing service on Sunday afternoon.

The event starts on Friday evening and ends on Sunday late afternoon. Part of the team and I will be at the location in Ft. Lauderdale on Thursday to set up and take care of last minute things. The youth always have a voice, so I also give them this time to resolve any last minute issues.

Right now, I'm having flash backs. I have close friends that I know from church youth events that I have known for 30 years......Did I say 30 years??!!!! We might not see or contact each other consitently, but we always have an ear open for each other. I am blessed that we are still in contact and that I can say I have friends. We have helped each other through school, relationships, weddings, divorces, coming out, births, deaths, injuries, sickness, promotions, demotions, transfers, moves to other States, coping with family, etc. I am hoping some of these youth will make some life long connections. (We all have to learn how to live together in one community.)

Peace and have a great weekend.

Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings

I was exposed to Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings' "100 Days 100 Nights" (also the name of the CD) one day while watching some music videos while having some cocktails with Mr. S and some friends. We really liked it because it had that 70's funk and blues sung by a raspy voiced black woman.

Mr. S bought the recording, we gave it a listen, and now really like it. It is a 2007 recording and it had has that Gospel-like background vocals along with piano, guitar, drums, organ, saxes, trumpet and some congas/bongos. It is from Daptone Records and is my favorite pick of the week. Give a try....you'll enjoy it.

So, updating my playlist for the week I have: Duffy, Amy Winehouse ("Frank" CD), Alison Moyet, Joss Stone, Pink Martini, K.D. Lang, Etta James, Cyndi Lauper ("At Last" CD) and Madeleine Peyroux..........gives you an idea of my mood this week. Give 'em a try ............

Teacher of the Year!!!

Congrats to my little sister, Gladys!!! She was just named Teacher of the Year for James H. Bright Elementary, Hialeah, FL. She is also featured in one of the posters showing teachers reading in order to promote reading. (Point of interest: Gloria Estefan's mother was a teacher at this school.)

I am very happy for her. The down side is that now she had to fill out all that paperwork and get interviewed and observed for the next level of "Teacher of the Year".

FYI: Gladys is a National Board Certified Teacher and has two Master's Degrees (Montessori Education and Reading). She has been at the same school for more than 10 years and currently has an ex-student as a teaching intern. There is no one in her school who has not been touched by her ..... from the Principal to the Maintenance Staff. She is dedicated to the students, parents and teachers.

Now my soapbox: Teachers are the leaders in children's education. They are the day to day person that directly deal with all the good and bad things that occur in the classroom. Due to budget cuts, Gladys did not receive her promised bonus/extra pay for mentoring teachers taking the National Board Certification Exam (including teachers from other schools) and is not being paid for training and consulting for an after school tutoring program (at another location) to assist students taking the FCAT Exam. This was all done off school time ...... So, who exactly is being left behind?

Okay, back to the good thing. I am very proud of my sister and all the hard work and caring she puts in daily for the community of her school.

Pridelines "Welcome to the Jungle"

Tonight Mr. S and I are volunteering at the Pridelines Adult Gala "Welcome to the Jungle" at Jungle Island. Pridelines is an organization that helps and assists GLBTQ youth. Their website is: http://www.pridelines.org/.

Pridelines Guiding Principles:

All the decisions we make focus, as their ultimate goal, on the improvement of the lives of GLBTQ youth in South Florida.

We focus on identifying resources for GLBTQ youth to create the most comprehensive system of services for them.

We work together in building relationships based on equality and respect.

Our programs are flexible and respond to the emerging needs and issues of the youth and community.

We are committed to creating a nurturing and inspiring environment that encourages self-expression and personal growth.

We have a demonstrated commitment to providing leadership opportunities to empower GLBTQ youth as full participants in the governance of their own services.

United Nations and the Millenium Development Goals

UN General Assembly to Call for Recommitment to MDGs

(Millenium Development Goals)
Episcopalians, Anglicans join in advocacy efforts September 25

By Mary Frances Schjonberg, September 24, 2008
[Episcopal News Service]

The United Nations General Assembly on September 25 will call upon world leaders to renew efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals for social progress by 2015.

Episcopalians and Anglicans from across the world are in New York City to participate in advocacy events surrounding the General Assembly session, and Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams issued a call September 24 for a renewed commitment to the MDGs.

Meanwhile, in fulfillment of the recent Lambeth Conference's call, the Episcopal Church has designated September 25 as a day of prayer, fasting and witness. Liturgical and other resources are available here and here.

In Ottawa, Anglican Church of Canada Archbishop Fred Hiltz, and Bishop Susan Johnson, national bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC), will lead an ecumenical event, Walk of Witness -- Bringing it Home, to urge the Canadian government to fulfill its promise to end poverty, the Anglican Journal reported.

In a news release describing what is being called "the High-Level Event," the UN General Assembly noted that "at the halfway point towards the target date, significant progress has been made, but urgent and increased efforts are needed by all stakeholders in order to meet the goals by 2015."

"The High-level Event will be a forum for world leaders to review progress, identify gaps, and commit to concrete efforts, resources and mechanisms to bridge the gaps," the release said. In a video message Williams backed calls for a renewal of the pledges made by the international community in 2000, and spoke of the need for the members of the Anglican Communion to work in harmony with governments and non-governmental organizations around the world in order to achieve the MDGs by 2015.

"Much of the work that's being done by the Anglican Church covers very comprehensively the Millennium Development Goals," Williams said in the video message. "We want to anchor that work in worldwide co-operation. We want to do that work in synergy with those governments and NGOs who are working for the same end. And we want to let governments and NGOs know that we are there and we are ready."

A transcript of Williams' message is available here.

The archbishop's message echoes a "manifesto" the Lambeth Conference of bishops presented to British Prime Minister Gordon Brown July 24 at the conclusion of the gathering's Walk of Witness in London. In that statement the bishops urged that: "When they meet in New York at the United Nations on 25th September, world leaders must find greater political commitment to addressing poverty and inequality. A timetable for achieving the MDGs by 2015 needs to be created. Our leaders need to invest in and strengthen their partnership with the Church worldwide, so that its extensive delivery network for education and health care, alongside other faiths, is fully utilized in the eradication of extreme poverty." The manifesto from the Lambeth Conference Walk of Witness can be found here. A smaller Walk of Witness made up of Anglican Communion bishops and others will take place September 25 starting from the Episcopal Church Center in Manhattan and ending several blocks away at the UN's Dag Hammarskjold Plaza.

At the UN building, Archbishop of York John Sentamu will be part of a panel presentation launching "Education for All: Class of 2015," an initiative of commitments to the second MDG of achieving universal primary education for all. A number of government officials and others including Brown and former U.S. President Bill Clinton will also participate.

Later in the day, there will be a "rally" and "teach-in" on the steps of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, followed by a "Service of Recommitment and Witness of the Achievement of the MDGs." Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori will be the officiant and Sentamu will preach. There will be interfaith participation in the service.

At a reception following the service, government and church figures will highlight the role of faith groups in achieving the MDGs, according to new releases.

-- The Rev. Mary Frances Schjonberg is Episcopal Life Media correspondent for Episcopal Church governance, structure, and trends, as well as news of the dioceses of Province II. She is based in Neptune, New Jersey, and New York City.

Lost on the Island...

No camera, no phone, no single luxury! I've been feeling a little lost the beginning of this week. I still haven't had my camera repaired or replaced and I left my cell phone at Mr. S's. I was out running errands on Monday and felt disconnected. I think I need to cut down on my dependency on electronics. I made it through the day without any complications. I was able to call people I had to from the home phone and it was actually quite quiet for the day.

Today is different. I received e-mails from people wanting answers or assistance for the Church Youth Event I am planning for October and the one I am attending in November.... nothing was a "life or death" situation. How 24 hours can make that much a difference is a mystery to me. I guess they are all used to instant answers and gratification.

Tonight, I am going to a Winter Party planning meeting. I will be "old school" for that. A calendar, paper and pen......that works for me just fine. Hope all of you have a good week. Peace.

Church of England Issues "Apology" to Darwin

Church of England Issues 'Apology' to Darwin

By Mary Frances Schjonberg, September 17, 2008
[Episcopal News Service]

A spokesman for the Church of England has said the church misunderstood Charles Darwin's work nearly 150 years ago and that "by getting our first reaction wrong," has continued an on-going misunderstanding.
At the end of an essay titled "Good religion needs good science," the Rev. Dr. Malcolm Brown, the Church of England director of mission and public affairs, addressed Darwin directly, saying that nearly 200 years after his birth "the Church of England owes you an apology for misunderstanding you and, by getting our first reaction wrong, encouraging others to misunderstand you still."
"We try to practice the old virtues of 'faith seeking understanding' and hope that makes some amends," Brown wrote. "But the struggle for your reputation is not over yet, and the problem is not just your religious opponents but those who falsely claim you in support of their own interests. Good religion needs to work constructively with good science -- and I dare to suggest that the opposite may be true as well."

Brown's essay, posted September 15, reflects the church's position on Darwin but isn't an official apology, the Church of England told the Associated Press.
The Rev. Norman Faramelli, who teaches Christian ethics at Episcopal Divinity School and social ethics at Boston University, told ENS September 17 that he concurred with Brown's "apology" to Darwin. He added the caveat that "it's not just the Church of England that owes him an apology," noting the opposition to Darwin was "clearly ecumenical" and extended to the scientific community of Darwin's time.

Faramelli also said that "misapplication of Darwin" has led to what he called the "pernicious" spread of social Darwinism, which endorsed competition and "survival of the fittest" as a way to organize societies.
Brown also in his essay criticized what he called the misapplication of Darwin's discoveries, where natural selection has been used to justify racism and other forms of discrimination.

Meanwhile, the Rev. Canon Ed Rodman, a member of the Episcopal Church's Executive Council and the council's Committee on Science, Faith and Technology, said September 17 in an interview that he was unimpressed with Brown's comments. He called them "insubstantial," adding that "damning with faint praise is no praise at all." Rodman said that it was time for the church to "fully acknowledge its culpability in discrediting Darwin's work."

The Episcopal Church has said that the theory of evolution does not conflict with Christian faith. In 2006, the General Convention affirmed, via Resolution A129, that God is creator and added that "the theory of evolution provides a fruitful and unifying scientific explanation for the emergence of life on earth, that many theological interpretations of origins can readily embrace an evolutionary outlook, and that an acceptance of evolution is entirely compatible with an authentic and living Christian faith."

The previous year, the Episcopal Church's the Episcopal Church Network for Science, Technology and Faith released a Catechism of Creation. In its section on creation and science, the catechism says, in part, scientific researchers since Darwin have refined and added to his ideas, "but never thrown out his basic theoretical framework."

In response to the question of whether accepting biological evolution conflicts with the biblical statement that humans are created in the image and likeness of God, the catechism notes that "image and likeness" have often be described as "those divine gifts of unconditional love and compassion, our reason and imagination, our moral and ethical capacities, our freedom, or our creativity."
"To think that these gifts may have been bestowed through the evolutionary process does not conflict with biblical and theological notions that God acts in creation," the catechism says. "Scripture affirms that God was involved (Gen. 1:26-27)."

Robert Schneider, a retired Berea College professor who was the catechism's lead author, wrote in June 30 essay here that the catechism grew out of a concern that "Episcopalians by and large shared [an American] ignorance about science, and even more distressing, showed little understanding of the doctrine of creation, even though we profess it every time we recite the Nicene Creed."
Schneider wrote that "it is incumbent upon all Episcopal educators to learn the basics about the doctrine of creation and its relationship to the work of science."

"God's two books, the Book of Scripture and the Book of Nature, come from the same source, the creating Word of God, and we need to help the faithful develop a better understanding and appreciation of this fundamental truth," he wrote.
Brown's essay is part of a new section of the Church of England's website developed to mark the approaching bicentenary of Darwin's birth in 1809, and the 150th anniversary of the publication of "On the Origin of Species" in 1859.
The Darwin pages include ones that explore Darwin's faith and his relationship with the Church of England. Diocese of Swindon Bishop Lee Rayfield, a former biological scientist, contributed a welcome page to the section in which he comments that "theology and science each have much to contribute in the assertion of the Psalmist that we are 'fearfully and wonderfully made.'"
The website also includes sections titled Darwin and the Church, Darwin and Faith, and Brief History of Darwin, as well as a list of further reading, and an events page listing how various bodies are celebrating Darwin's bicentenary over the coming months.

Darwin attended a Church of England boarding school in Shrewsbury and trained to be a clergyman at Cambridge. He married into an Anglican family and was inspired to follow his calling into science by another clergyman who was fascinated by the study of botany.However, Darwin is said to have lost his faith, in part due to the death of a daughter and an increasingly need for evidence to back up belief.

"There is no reason to doubt that Christ still draws people towards truth through the work of scientists as well as others, and many scientists are motivated in their work by a perception of the deep beauty of the created world," Brown writes in his essay, adding that "for the sake of human integrity -- and thus for the sake of good Christian living -- some rapprochement between Darwin and Christian faith is essential."

-- The Rev. Mary Frances Schjonberg is Episcopal Life Media correspondent for Episcopal Church governance, structure, and trends, as well as news of the dioceses of Province II. She is based in Neptune, New Jersey, and New York City.

The Need for Hurricane Relief

A message from Bishop Frade about Hurricane Relief

September 13, 2008
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
This time last week we feared that our diocese might be in the direct path of a major hurricane. Instead, Hurricane Ike has brought its devastating winds and flooding to our neighbors in the Caribbean, and has also battered much of Texas and western Louisiana. The catastrophic damage inflicted by this year’s hurricane season is already widespread.
As we give thanks that Southeast Florida has so far been spared the terrible effects of this year’s storms, we need to turn our attention to how we can help alleviate the suffering of our neighbors who are now living in the midst of catastrophic storm damage.
In the past few days I have been in contact with my brother bishops, Zache Duracin of Haiti, Laish Boyd of the Bahamas and Miguel Tamayo of Cuba, hearing directly from them about the urgent needs of their people.
“The whole of Haiti has been affected, a country where the socio-economic situation was already bad,” Bishop Duracin said. “Many people have been left homeless with no food, no clothes, no clean water. Many of our church buildings have been affected or destroyed.”
Bishop Tamayo compares the damage left by the storms to the effects of a war. Hurricane Gustav completely destroyed the Isle of Youth and the western province of Pinar del Rio. Then Hanna hit the northern coast with major storm surge that swept away homes in coastal towns. Then came Ike, “that managed to hit every single province of Cuba.” The storm’s trajectory from east to west devastated everything along its path, the bishop said. Most of Cuba is currently without power or potable water.
Bishop Boyd told me of several churches on the island of Inagua and in the Turks and Caicos that have lost belltowers and roofs. One rectory was completely destroyed, and most homes on Grand Turk and South Caicos suffered substantial damage. Electric power may not be restored until December.
All three of these bishops have told me that the best and most efficient way that we can help them to minister to their people in these terrible circumstances is to provide them with funds.
I know that many of our congregations are already helping through ongoing ministry partnerships with congregations and communities in the Bahamas, Haiti and (in spite of governments) even Cuba, as well as in other parts of the Caribbean and on the Gulf Coast. I commend this response and these partnerships, which are such a vital part of our connection with the worldwide Body of Christ; if you are involved in helping in this way, I urge you to continue.
However, if you have not already responded to this crisis through such a partnership, I am asking that you give as much as you can, as quickly as you can, to help our brothers and sisters, not only in the Caribbean, but also in the parts of our own Gulf Coast that have sustained such great damage from the storms.

Checks should be made payable to:

Episcopal Charities of Southeast Florida,

designated for whichever country or location you feel led to assist, or simply for "Hurricane Relief"

Mail to:

The Episcopal Charities

8895 N. Military Trail, Suite 205-C

Palm beach Gardens, FL 33410.

Donations can also be made online on the diocesan website at

www.diosef.org

an option is provided for designating a particular storm and/or location

Most important, please continue to support with your prayers everyone affected by Tropical Storm Fay and Hurricanes Gustav, Hanna and Ike, and pray also for guidance and generous hearts in our efforts to help.

Blessings,
+Leo Frade

Bishop, The Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida

A weekend and "The Women"

This weekend is the opening of the new film version of "The Women". I am hoping I am not disappointed, since I am a fan of the original screenplay.

Mr S and I are planning a Sunday outing and hoping to see it with The Mr and Mrs Astor (and anyone else we can convince to go). I'm sure there will be boys out to see the film. Knowing the crowds, they won't be out early on a Sunday. Brunch anyone?!

Don't forget your "Jungle Red"!

Saturday I have some church event planning meetings, so Mr. S can have a "loaf" day and relax after a long week.

Prayer: For Peace Among the Nations

O God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love
our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth:
deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in
your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Preparing again....

We have been told by the news and the weather services that "Ike" is approximately 4 days away. "The Cone of Uncertainty" is very wide, but South Florida is in it. We have been prepared....basically....at home since the H-word (that which will not be named) season began.

I did an inventory and Mom and I went shopping to re-stock things we needed. The experience wasn't that bad, since we do not live in an evacuation area or near the beach. Though, I did buy the last of the "D" batteries on the shelf.

A few helpful hints:
1. Buy a battery powered fan
2. Have a non cordless telephone (Cordless do not work in power outages).
3. Have some games, puzzles, books on hand.
4. Charge your lap top, iPod, Portable DVD, etc.
5. Have plenty of liquids and canned foods
6. Buy insect repellent, trash bags and paper goods.
7. Stock up on "adult beverages" (It makes the neighborhood party better).
8. Have cash on hand ... NO power = No ATM, NO Credit Cards
9. Have all your paperwork (Home and Health Insurance, ID's, Bills, etc) in
one place, secured in a Ziploc or waterproof bag.
10. Get all the junk that will fly around out of your yard now.
11. Fill up your vehicle gas tank.
12. Fill up your generator gas tank and have extra on hand.
13. If you have a generator, remember to have Carbon Monoxide detector
and extension cords.
14. Pray for the safety and welfare of those who can not care for themselves
those that are in harm's way.

Well, I am expecting some wind and rain (at least). I will spend the weekend with Mr. S and if it does get worse and the Beach is evacuated, he will come to my home. Peace and Safety to all!

Katina Remembrance Sunday

This is especially timely.

We pray for all the areas still affected by Katrina

that are awaiting and watching "Gustav".

May they all be kept out of harms way.

Luis

Katrina Remembrance Sunday set for August 31

By Lisa B. Hamilton
[Episcopal News Service] Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has designated August 31 as Katrina Remembrance Sunday.

Hurricane Katrina, the costliest Atlantic hurricane ever, caused an estimated $81.2 billion in damages and claimed more than 1800 lives between August 23 and 30, 2005. Since then, thousands of relief workers have volunteered countless hours to assist survivors throughout the Gulf Coast regions of Louisiana and Mississippi.

"Katrina Remembrance Sunday is a way of remembering, of heralding the vast relief work that has gone on, and of reminding that there is still work to be done," says Neva Rae Fox, the Episcopal Church's program officer for public affairs.

Bishop Charles E. Jenkins of Louisiana reflects: "It has been said that 'you can give without loving, but you can't love without giving,' and I understand that more deeply now than before Hurricane Katrina ripped through our lives and ministry in 2005.

"Our work…has shifted from relief and recovery to now include redevelopment and biblical justice," he says. "The needs continue [to be] great and the resources are dwindling."

According to information provided by the Diocese of Louisiana, "the opportunities to live into God's transformation are great. We invite all Episcopalians to come and join with us in the ongoing Gulf Coast recovery efforts. Many meaningful work experiences exist, including opportunities with rebuilding homes, feeding ministries and health and pastoral care. Serving together has provided a rich context for spiritual growth for thousands of volunteers."

Further information about volunteering with the Diocese of Louisiana is available here, by calling 504-895-6634 or emailing diocesan volunteer coordinator Pete Nunnally at pnunnally@edola.org. Click here to contact the Diocese of Mississippi. Further information about the Diocese of Mississippi's Camp Coast Care is available here or by calling 601-948-5954.

"Katrina Recovery: Rebuilding the Beloved Community," Episcopal Life Weekly bulletin inserts for August 31, will be available here.

Suggested Prayers of the People are available online here or can be downloaded as a pdf here.

-- The Rev. Lisa B. Hamilton is correspondent for Provinces I and IV. She is based in Sandisfield, Massachusetts and Venice, Florida.

Katrina Sunday: August 31, 2008

Suggested Prayers for the People

The following prayers and concluding collect are suggested for use by congregations throughout the Episcopal Church.

In peace we pray to you, O God of steadfast love.

Lord God, with grateful hearts we thank you for the many blessings of our lives, for the joy of families reunited, and the hope of homes and communities restored. We give thanks, too, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in the continued prayers and presence of our sisters and brothers in Christ who have given so much to hurricane recovery. God of steadfast love, hear our prayer.

Protect us, O God, from the storms of life; help us to trust in you and open our hearts to care for one another. God of steadfast love, hear our prayer.
Guide all those who govern and hold authority, that they would act with justice and mercy for the good of all who share in our common life, especially along the Gulf Coast. God of steadfast love, hear our prayer.

Grant that your holy and life-giving Spirit may remove the barriers which divide us and so inspire us to serve you in all members of our community. God of steadfast love, hear our prayer.

Comfort and strengthen all those in any sorrow, need, or adversity, especially those grieving lives lost to Katrina and Rita, and those still seeking the shelter of a steady home. God of steadfast love, hear our prayer.

Give to the departed, especially those who perished during and after the storms of 2005, eternal rest, and let light perpetual shine upon them.

Suggested Concluding Collect:
(BCP p. 395, #5)

O Lord Our God, accept the fervent prayers of your people; in the multitude of your mercies, look with compassion upon u and all who turn to you for help; for you are gracious, O lover of souls, and to you we give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

Primary Election Day

I voted today! Well, as much as there was on today's ballot for Miami-Dade County and my local districts. The choices for me today were for County Clerk of Courts, various judicial posts, and a primary for mayor. There were two referendums. One for the building of an arts/cultural center, or something like it, that would be open to the public in Tropical Park and the other was a yes or no vote to keep "The Children's Trust" (supplies resources for various projects).

The main thing this year is our new voting system. For those of you who have followed Florida voting, we have gone from the paper punch card system (the 2000 fiasco system) to the touch screen system (no paper trail) to, now, another paper system. You receive a large piece of paper with all the things open for that election and you "bubble in" your choice with black ink. Then, you go to a machine where it is scanned and then drops into a box. It is an electronic system with paper back up .... reminded me much of taking the SAT and ACT or other standardized test.

The drawbacks I already see for the system is that you have to be able to read small print and have the motor skills to fill in the small bubble. (No "Xing" allowed). Then, you must also understand to fill in both sides of the ballot. I already see this as an inconvenience to the many elderly voters in my district. They were already having trouble today.

Let's see how it goes.... GET OUT THERE AND VOTE!!!

Bye, bye Fay!

The rain is receding and the kid is finally off back to Wisconsin. I did get caught in some of the storms. The local regulars were out this week though..... The beginning of classes was delayed two days so we had more time to eat and watch the Olympics and movies. Overall, I'm thankful that friends and family are safe. I am still concerned about some of the older friends we know on the upper coasts of Florida. Have been trying to contact them for two days.

I hope all of you are safe and doing well.

Miami-Dade County Domestic Partnership Registry Info

JOIN US MONDAY, AUGUST 18 AT 10:00 AM!

Join Equality Florida and SAVE Dade next MONDAY, AUGUST 18th at 10:00AM to celebrate the opening of the Domestic Partnership Registry, at the Miami-Dade Department of Consumer Services

(140 W Flagler St, 9th Floor, Miami, FL 33130).

Bear witness to history as we proudly stand together with the first domestic partners officially recognized by Miami-Dade County!

Are you planning to declare your domestic partnership officially with Miami-Dade County? Please let us know by sending your

RSVP to Orlando Gonzales,

orlando@savedade.org

HOW TO REGISTER

All couples planning to register as domestic partners need to bring a completed and notarized copy "Declaration of Domestic Partnership" form. The administrative fee to officially register is $50 ($5 each additional certificate).

WHAT DOES THE REGISTRY DO?

The registry entitles domestic partners to visitation rights at healthcare, correctional and juvenile facilities, among other benefits. The registry is important also as many private sector companies rely on them to extend their own health insurance and employee benefit packages to the domestic partners of their employees. Also, any Miami-Dade County employee who is a party to a registered domestic partnership relationship can elect to select insurance coverage for his or her domestic partner or their children in the same manner as an employee may elect coverage for a spouse or unmarried dependant child.