A Message from Bishop Benfield

Supporting the Millennium Development Goals at Christmastime

The Anglican Communion has been a primary leader in asking us to support the Millennium Development Goals so that life can be improved in the poorest parts of the world. The Episcopal Church in Arkansas gives 0.7 percent of our income to organizations working in developing countries to accomplish things such as ending poverty and hunger, educating children, preventing disease, and providing people with environmentally sustainable ways to live.

This year our deacons have recommended that money be sent to Bread for the World and Doctors Without Borders, both of which take actions to do exactly the sort of work that is needed. Approximately $9,000 will be distributed between those two organizations.

I personally support the MDGs through a gift of 0.7 percent of my income, and I encourage you to do so as well. It is a way that we in this very prosperous part of the world support changes that can one day bring us the peace that was promised in the birth of the Christ child. When goodness reigns, good jobs and full stomachs will replace poverty and suffering and war. In giving to support the work of the MDGs, we are in our own way proclaiming our assurance that the good news that peace and good will are coming to all people, just as angels proclaimed 2,000 years ago to certain shepherds who were tending their flocks.

Benediction: A Retreat of Power and Promise

Dec. 25, 2011–Jan. 6, 2012, at Trinity Cathedral, Little Rock

Jane Wolfe is offering a free, two-week retreat at Trinity Cathedral. It will offer people a time to talk, study, pray, and prepare themselves for a new year. You may come to as many or as few sessions as you like. You can download a flier (PDF) with the schedule or call Jane Lee Wolfe at 501-372-0294 to schedule a one-on-one session.

Delta Dental Open Enrollment

Deadline: Dec. 29, 2011

Open enrollment is open to all active church employees working at least 1,000 hours per year. Employees not currently enrolled, or those wanting to add dependents, must contact Mary Jane Hodges before Dec. 29, for guaranteed coverage. Review the schedule of benefits (PDF) to learn about coverages and maximum plan allowances. Both the existing Premier provider list and the new PPO provider list are found on the Delta Dental website.

Insured employees and their dependents can register usernames and passwords on the Delta Dental website to access benefits information, track claims, print new ID cards, etc. You’ll also find the amount of your carryover benefit. Use the Delta Dental Website User Guide (PDF) to register.

19th Annual Serenity Retreat

Jan. 13–15, at Subiaco Abbey

This year’s retreat, “Centering Prayer and the 12 Steps,” will be led by the Rev. Carey Stone, rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in North Little Rock, Ark. Active members of 12-step groups are welcome. The retreat fee is $50 per person. Housing costs $120 per person for a shared room, $170 for a private room, or $215 for a married couple. To register, email Coury House or call 479-934-441 and mention the Serenity Retreat. For more information, email the Rev. Joanna Seibert.

‘Let’s Pray’: An Interfaith Prayer Conference

Jan.15, 2012, at St. Margaret’s, Little Rock

The Interfaith Center of the Institute for Theological Studies at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Little Rock invites you to participate in “Let’s Pray,” a landmark event where representatives of the Christian, Jewish, Islamic and Buddhist faiths will teach how their respective religions engage in silent, contemplative prayer. The workshop will be held on Jan. 15, 2012, from 1–5 p.m. at St. Margaret’s. The cost is $25.

For more information or to register, please download the flier and registration form (PDF) or email Sarah Catherine Gutierrez.

‘Walking the Mourner’s Path’ Facilitator Training

Feb. 9–11, 2012 at St. Mark’s, Little Rock

Walking the Mourner’s Path is an eight-week grief recovery group in the Episcopal church. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Little Rock will host a training school for facilitators on Feb. 9–11, 2012. The deadline to register for the training is Jan. 15, 2012. For more information about Walking the Mourner’s Path, visit their website. For information about this specific training, email the Rev. Joanna Seibert or call her at 501-425-8525.

140th Annual Diocesan Convention

Feb. 17–18, 2012, in Little Rock

Diocesan Convention will be held Friday, Feb. 17–Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and Episcopal Collegiate School in Little Rock. Visit the Convention website for recently updated hotel information.