Bi-Annual Newsletter
Renovare Solomon Episcopal Conference Center
54296 Hwy 445 Loranger, LA 70446
(985) 748-6634
solomoncenter.org
June 2015
Volume 4, No. 2
Letter from the Director In this issue: Letter From the Director ... 1 New Member of the SECC Family ............................... 3 SECC Sunday..................... 4 Community Outreach ........ 5 Jewels From the SECC Kitchen .............................. 6 Walter Roland Bankston .... 7 Our Mission - Our Vision .. 8
As I review the words I have written in this reserved space over the last four years, I find a common focus on the people who both comprise and visit our ministry, as well as some deeper exploration of our mission to the Diocese and beyond. This time, I would like to focus on something different, and I pray those who are able to find the time to read these words will be inspired to respond in ways the Lord can lead them and to the best of their abilities. Many of you who have generously given your time, talents, and finances to the SECC over the years have helped, and are helping, to support a ministry that provides a sacred space for people of all faiths and spiritual walks of life to come and renew, refresh, re-energize, and relax. We, as Episcopalians, who prayerfully make these contributions are helping to support many others throughout the region, regardless of denomination or institutional structure. That blessing is a powerful story to tell and lift up in thanksgiving. I believe this outreach is only made possible through your support. Were it not for your contributions that help us maintain this wondeful facility, many throughout the region would not have the option of attending a retreat here. Please continue to support The Center with your prayers and contributions to the the upcoming 2015-2016 SECC Sunday Campaign, launching SECC Sunday: September 20, 2015. The third Sunday in September, established through resolution at the Diocesan Convention in 2010, is a day to lift up The Center by telling stories and raising awareness of the wonderful work that occurs here. Letter cont’d on page 2
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Letter from the Director cont. We reach out to Rectors, Associate Rectors, Supply Priests, Vestries (through their Sr. Wardens), as well as the SECC Advisory Board, the Standing Committee, and the Diocesan Executive Board to promote, lead, and encourage contributions to The Center. My request is not to limit this support to one day on the calendar, but throughout the fall season and into spring of next year. Your donations and prayers are welcome anytime! I have put together a short list, below, that highlights completed projects made possible through your donations, followed by specific, identified needs. Please know this is not exhaustive and does not include the day-to-day added expenses that are not covered by event receipts: • Chapel of the Holy Cross - A new primary heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAV) unit that replaced the original unit installed in 1994; restored and repaired 10 upper large windows and their seals; repaired and refurbished the portico’s hanging lantern; carpet replacement; updated vestments for worship services; and, installed pathway lights. • Bishop Brown Lodge - Refurbished couches and chairs in the lobby, updated the media center, and repainted the main meeting room. • New Roofing - Pavillion building at the pool area, the two-story residence hall (which includes 20 lodging rooms and two meeting rooms), and the one-story “quad” residence hall (which includes 24 lodging rooms). Current identified areas still in need are: • Repair and resurface the sidewalks that lead to all the areas of the Center • Continue replacing: mattresses, window air-conditioning/heating units, and bed frames in the lodging rooms • Remove carpets in the meeting and lodging rooms to update flooring • Purchase a new Roland keyboard for music and worship • Exterior painting of the one-story “quad” residence hall Please keep your eyes and ears open in the coming weeks, and months, for announcements about other fundraising events taking place here and throughout the Dicoese on behalf of the Solomon Episcopal Conference Center!
Peace and Faithfully Yours,
Frank Hall Executive Director
New Member of the SECC Family We are pleased to welcome a new member to the SECC hospitality team: Chef Cody LeBoeuf has accepted the position of Executive Chef/Food Service Director here at the SECC and began leading our dining function on April 29, 2015. Cody comes to help our ministry continue to endeavor being the premier conference and retreat center in the area. He will support our mission in ministering to our participants, and guests, through preparation and delivery of outstanding cuisine. Cody has an Associate Degree from the John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls State University and served as a Line Cook/ Cody Leboeuf Apprentice at the Chateau De Lasbordes Resort in Albi, France. Executive Chef / Food Service Director From 2006 to 2014, Cody was the Sous Chef for Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House, Dickie Brennan’s Steak House, and the Palace Cafe in New Orleans. Cody is 29 years old and from Westwego, LA. He developed his passion for food by following his grandmother around the kitchen as soon as he could walk, and started working in restaurants at the age of 13. Cody and his wife, Ashley, recently built a home in Madisonville where they live with their two German Boxer dogs. Cody says, “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to become part of the team at the Solomon Episcopal Conference Center, and very eager to start cooking!”
Please join us in welcoming Chef Cody Leboeuf to the SECC!
SECC Sunday: September 20, 2015 What is SECC Sunday? SECC Sunday is the focal point of The Center’s Annual Fund campaign, and kick-off this year will be on the 20th of September. The Center operates at 100% self-sufficiency, receiving no budgeted funds from the diocese, but event and lodging fees received fall short of covering all the costs to fully maintain our beautiful facilities. Your contributions to our Annual Fund will help ensure future generations will enjoy the peace and serenity that is the SECC. We also ask for your prayers, attention, and consideration for your retreats and events during this time.
Ways to Give There are many ways to give to the SECC. You can give on our website by going to www.solomoncenter.org/support-secc, request a donation envelope from your church adminstrator, or fill out the form below and mail it to us!
For examples on how to give please visit www.solomoncenter.org/support-secc.
I am ...
Every gift is important and appreciated, and will be recognized with an acknowledgement and mention in the SECC Renovare.
My method of payment is ... Online for fastest service www.solomoncenter.org/support-secc
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Check payable to SECC Cash Credit Card Online at
www.solomoncenter.org/support-secc
Mail to: SECC 54296 Hwy. 445 Loranger, LA 70446
The SECC Board of Directors The Rt. Rev. Morris K. Thompson, Jr. Chair, Bishop of the Diocese of Louisiana Mrs. Amelia Arthur The Very Rev. Paul Bailey - President of the Board of Visitors Mr. Marcus Canal Mr. Rhenne Cervantes Dr. Annette Figueroa
The Rev. Harry Jenkins - Vice-President The Rev. Dr. Michael Kuhn Mrs. Maude Sharp - Secretary Dr. William Soileau Ex-Officio Members: The Rev. Canon Shannon Manning, Canon to the Ordinary Frank Hall, The SECC Executive Director
Community Outreach
“W
e are here serving God’s people and doing his work.” - Director Frances Seymore Click here for more information
House of Serenity is the only homeless shelter this side of New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Mississippi. Located in Ponchatoula, LA, House of Serenity Homeless Shelter provides safe-housing and meals to individuals and families in need. How can you help? Donations of money, food, clothing, cleaning supplies, hygiene products, toys, and/or your time are always accepted and welcomed by the Shelter and its volunteers. As you can see, there are many areas of need. For example, if you buy new towels you could donate your gently-used towels to the Shelter.
Jewels from the SECC Kitchen Crawfish Étouffée: ¾ c. Butter 1 Lg. Onion - chopped 1 Garlic Clove - chopped ¼ c. All Purpose Flour 1 Bell Pepper - chopped 2 Celery Stalks - chopped 1 lb. Crawfish Tails
By: SECC Serves 6
2 Tbl. Tomato Sauce 1 c. Water, or as needed 6 Green Onions - chopped Salt and Pepper to taste 1 ½ Tbl. Cajun Seasoning, or to taste 1 tsp. Parsley
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened. Stir in the flour until well blended. Gradually stir in the tomato sauce and water, then add crawfish tails and bring to a simmer. Add green onions, parsley, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5-10 minutes over low heat. Serve over hot cooked rice.
Smothered Okra:
By: SECC
1 Med. Onion - chopped 2 Tbl. Garlic - minced 1 Lg. Bag Frozen Cut Okra 4 c. Stewed Tomatoes 1 Tbl. Salt
1 Tbl. Pepper 1 Tbl. Cajun Seasoning Dash of Sugar Olive Oil
Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until tender. Add all ingredients and simmer until tender. Adjust seasonings to taste.
Chocolate Chess Pie: 9” Pie Shell 1 ¼ c. Sugar ⅓ c. Cocoa ½ c. Melted Butter
By: SECC 3 Eggs 1 tsp. Vanilla 5 oz. Evaporated Milk
In a bowl mis together sugar and cocoa. Add melted butter and mix until well blended. Add eggs, vanilla, and evaporated milk. Mix well. Pour into pie shell and bake for 35-40 minutes at 325°. Center of pie should be firm.
These recipes and more can be found in our SECC Dining Hall Cookbook. For more information, contact Chef Cody: 985-748-5054 or cleboeuf@solomoncenter.org. Personal recipes are always welcome!
In Memory of Walter Roland Bankston Mr. Walter Bankston, a property and land developer in the area during the 1980s, accepted a request from the Diocese of Louisiana to form and head a committee to find the site of land that would later become the Solomon Episcopal Conference Center. To help determine the Center’s best location, two 120 mile diameter circles were drawn on a Louisiana state map in Rt. Rev. James B. Brown’s office (then Bishop of the Diocese of Louisiana) — one circle centered on New Orleans and the other centered on Baton Rouge. The two circles intersected in two places: the Northshore area near Folsom, and near LaPlace, LA. Of the two locations, the committee found the rolling countryside of the Northshore area near Folsom to be the most appealing and decided to begin looking at property in that area. Originally named “A Special Place,” the first buildings (the now-named Bishop Brown Lodge, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, and the one-story Residence Hall or “Quad”) were orchestrated in their construction by Walter Bankston, as well as the clearing of the land for these buildings, and completed by the Center’s Open House in 1993. The Center was running at capacity within 18 months of its January 1, 1993 birthday, and the rest of the existing buildings, including the Dining Hall, the two-story residence hall, and the pool and Pavillion, were completed over the next three years under Walter Bankston’s guidance. During this time frame, a new name for the Center was adopted…The Episcopal Conference Center, and then a few years later, its current name, The Solomon Episcopal Conference Center was adopted. Walter Bankston was instrumental in building and maintaining the Solomon Episcopal Conference Center, and we are eternally grateful for his service to the Center. Walter Roland Bankston 14 December 1931 - 9 March 2015
Our Mission
Our Vision
We receive and welcome everyone to a serene, peaceful, beautiful, and well-maintained conference and retreat facility. We are committed to firstclass hospitality in a faith-based, safe, and secure environment. We enable large and small groups, adult and youth, to experience retreats, conferences, meetings, and events in a church, corporate, or athletic context, to explore and discover renewal, education, and growth.
We aspire to be the premier leader in providing an open sanctuary where lives can be changed and even transformed. We welcome diversity, embrace hospitality and firmly believe that each of us can help make a difference in others’ lives. Individuals, groups, churches, families, teams and businesses can interact with each other in a relaxed environment, away from their daily grind, to help better themselves spiritually, emotionally and physically.
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