Bi-Annual Newsletter
Renovare Solomon Episcopal Conference Center
54296 Hwy 445 Loranger, LA 70446
(985) 748-6634
solomoncenter.org
January 2016
Volume 5, No. 1
Letter from the Director Greetings!
In this issue: Letter From the Director ... 1 SECC Sunday Campaign Contributions .................... 3 EDoLA Youth Service Day .. ........................................... 4 Recent Donation to the SECC ................................ 5 Community Outreach ........ 5 Congratulations ................ 6
I write this letter from the Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers’ (ECCC) Annual Retreat and Conference, being held this year at Dayspring Episcopal Conference Center located in the Episcopal Diocese of SW Florida, near Tampa, FL. The theme for this year is: Calling. Passion. Purpose. Or, in other words, why do we do what we do as leaders of the over 100 ministries of formation and transformation for people of all ages? First and foremost, let me quickly note that this annual retreat is very important to me professionally, spiritually, and personally. It is the one time of year I am privileged to be with other retreat, camp, and conference center leaders (both clergy and lay ministers) who personally relate to my ministry at the SECC. We gather together in plenary sessions, reflection groups, and workshops to discuss the blessings, and distractions, we experience daily to better our ministries. In other words, what works and what doesn’t work. ECCC Director, Bill Slocum, and Director of Communications and Development, Ashley Graham-Wilcox, along with ECCC Board Members and volunteer helpers (again, both clergy and lay ministers) work hard putting together absolutely fantastic workshops, plenary and keynote sessions, as well as reflection group and outdoor activities. Whew, it’s a lot to be grateful for and I am grateful! .... Letter cont’d on page 2
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Letter from the Director cont.
Speaking of the ECCC, I want to make sure you know what their ministry’s mission is. The mission of ECCC, Inc. is to sustain and enhance the ministry of all camps and conference centers of the Episcopal Church by: • Nurturing professional growth and development of current and future leaders • Fostering excellence in the operation and services of member centers • Strengthening the network of communication, collegiality, and support among leaders of centers • Securing faithful financial resources to sustain and expand the ministry of ECCC • Advocating for camp and conference ministry within the wider Church This year’s retreat has taught me that the only way we can really listen (something I have to work hard doing) is to periodically, and deliberately, give ourselves the space and time to relax and revive. Still, these words cannot properly express the process to listen because the process requires hard work, and a deep commitment, to effectively slow down, disconnect, and hear God. I believe God’s Blessings and Glory can be magnified by space and time. The ECCC helps us as retreat, camp, and conference leaders make space and time for everyone to find sheer joy in creation and fellowship. This is best communicated by the joyous image to the right. I pray that you may find the space and time this year, and soon, to truly listen, relax, and revive.
Peace and Faithfully Yours,
Frank Hall, Executive Director
SECC Sunday Campaign Contributions The SECC is 100% self-sufficient. Fees received to cover the costs for events fall short of providing funds available for fully maintaining our beautiful facility. Your additional contribution will help us ensure future generations can enjoy the peace and serenity that is the SECC. Thank you to the following SECC Sunday contributors (as of January 28, 2015): Christ Episcopal Church - Slidell Church of the Nativity - Rosedale Episcopal Church Women of Louisiana Grace Episcopal Church - St. Francisville Grace Memorial Episcopal Church - Hammond St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church - New Orleans St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church - Metairie St. James Episcopal Church - Baton Rouge St. James Episcopal Church Altar Guild - Baton Rouge St. James Episcopal Church ECW - Baton Rouge St. Luke’s Episcopal Church - Baton Rouge St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church - Houma St. Paul’s Episcopal Church - New Orleans St. Paul’s Episcopal Church ECW - New Orleans St. Philip’s Episcopal Church - New Orleans The Charles M. & Michelle B. Berry Charitable Fund The Mary E. Peters and Robert W. Polchow Foundation Alyce Lee Jefferson Amanda Langley Cabral Andrew & Jeannette Gasaway Jr Angela Tyrone and Laura Freeze Ann and Wendell Holmes Anne D. Hancock Annette Figueroa Athea Schwing Cointment Bill Helms Buddy Anderson C C Torbergsen Carol Surber Charles and Margaret Pryor Chris and Emily Frink Cynthia P. Schmidt D G Hewitt Dana Schuster Dawn Casselberry Deborah M Thomas Dennis M and Deborah Gonzales Dixon K Smith E Stewart Maunsell II Edward L and Janford B Hochenedel Elaine Mogabgab Elizabeth Gregory Elizabeth McHale Elizabeth Smith Frances Lees Garland
Fred and Judy Bruce Gail Duhe’ Melinda Jones Michael L and Michelle G Bouve’ Michele English and Tracy Coleman Mr and Mrs Bill Wilson Mr and Mrs Fritz Anderson Mr and Mrs G T Clark Jr Mr and Mrs Michael R Fontham Mr and Mrs William Nadler, Jr Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Singer, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Rory (Becky) Roniger Mrs Jane Christensen Natalie James Patrick and Laura Robert Paul R. and Peggy S. Coats R. Douglas and Gwendolyn Bostick, III Ralph Menetre, Jr. Robert W. Veith Rosemary Willis White Saint and Gloria Provosty Sandra L Wright Sandy and Anne Sharp Sheila S MacArthur Sonia Mallett
Susan A. Robinson Suzanne K. Beckley The Rev J. Mark and Elizabeth Holland The Rev James R Morrison The Rev Paul Bailey The Rev Roy Mellish The Rev William G Gayle Jr The Rev. Bill Miller The Rev. Rob Courtney The Rev. Sharon A. Alexander The Rt. Rev. James B. and Mary S. Brown Theresa Samaha Virginia Dare Rufin W. Alex Ostheimer Wayne and Carolyn Ennis
EDoLA Youth Service Day It’s almost that time of year again! The EDoLA Youth will be making their pilgrimage to the Center in February to complete service projects for the Center. The Youth have come to the Center in the past to complete such service projects as: planting flowers in the Fr. Paul Bailey Garden, relandscaping the one-story residence hall (or “Quad” as it is affectionately known), picking up trash and debris that floats onto the grounds, and assisting our staff in other small projects throughout the facility. This year’s pilgrimage will be headed by Marvin McLennon, the EDoLA Youth Minister, in coordination with our Executive Director, Frank Hall, and other staff. This cooperative effort between the Center and EDoLA Youth allows for small projects that the Center has identified as a need, or want, to be completed as a part of the community, and assists the Youth of our diocese in completing service hours for school and/or extra-curricular needs while helping to instill the lifelong relationship that they will have with the Center. The Youth that come to participate in EDoLA Youth Service Day are typically participants in the events sponsored by the EDoLA Youth here at the Center. They have a strong desire to assist in beautifying, and protecting, our facility and grounds. The bond that they have built, both with each other and the Center, will continue for years to come. Also, this event provides a wonderful opportunity for the Youth to commit to a loving, and caring, relationship with nature and the idyllic scenery granted to us here by God. This opportunity helps to instill a respect for all of God’s creation by becoming stewards of the land, both with the Center and beyond. If you would like more information, or to volunteer, please contact Marvin McLennon at mmclennon@edola.org
Recent Donation to the SECC Sue Bollin, a wonderful member of the SECC Altar Guild, recently donated to the Center this embroidered rendition of the Chapel of the Holy Cross’ cross just in time for Christmas! This embroidered rendition was transcribed onto one of the original vestments for the chapel that was no longer able to be used. This will ensure that they remain a part of the SECC for years to come. This cross was specially designed for the SECC’s Chapel of the Holy Cross by the chapel’s architect, David Jahnke. This type of cross is called a “universal cross”, because regardless of where you stand you see the cross.
Community Outreach Fact: For every $100 donated, $2,300 worth of food can be distributed.
Our Daily Bread is able to serve the community through 25 local pantries and over 350 volunteers, including our Executive Director. Throughout the year, these volunteers contribute over 22,000 hours of service to Our Daily Bread Food Bank and our communities. We are able to serve our community because of our wonderful volunteers. If you are interested in joining Our Daily Bread throughout the week to serve the parish, you can find more information about different opportunities by clicking the links below.
•Volunteer!
•Donate! - 20 Hot Meals = $30
Feed 100 children = $35 1 Monthly Food Box = $50 (Can feed one family of (4) for one month.)
“Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” --John 6:12
Congratulations Ashley and Chef Cody LeBoeuf welcomed their son, Cameron Joseph LeBoeuf, on January 20, 2016, weighting 4 lbs., 8 oz. Arriving several weeks early, Cameron is finally home and thriving after a two week stay with the caring nurses of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Ashley and Chef Cody would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers for mother and baby, and to let everyone know that Cameron and Ashley are resting quietly.
Donate Now Bring Your Group to SECC Located on rolling acres of piney woods just north of Robert, Louisiana, the Solomon Episcopal Conference Center (SECC) is a peaceful retreat into nature for businesses, churches, families, individuals and groups of all sizes and denominations. Owned and operated by the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana, the SECC welcomes guests throughtout the year to enjoy a warm and inviting atmosphere. We offer indoor and outdoor meeting spaces; sports and recreation facilities; overnight, hotel-style lodging accommodations; and complete onsite dining services. Our beautiful grounds and thriving facilities are privileged to host conferences, retreats and gatherings of all kinds, including corporate meetings, spiritual retreats, professional seminars and workshops, conventions, sports clinics, youth and leadership camps, and company and family picnics. Special social events like family reunions, weddings, and private parties are hosted as well.
For additional information contact Clarissa Ingrassia at: 985-277-5381 or cingrassia@solomoncenter.org