Sept. 3 Parish Administrators Appreciation Luncheon and Training to Celebrate, Encourage, Inform

You may volunteer in the church office, answering the phone, folding bulletins and filling in all sorts of gaps behind the scenes. Perhaps you work full- or part-time as a parish administrator, handling the operational aspects of parish life so the rector can function more freely in a shepherding role. Or maybe you serve on the vestry, keeping a watchful eye on the details of parish administration. Regardless, you’d love some encouragement, and you’d also love to learn how to better serve your church family.

Those in the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida who fit any or all of these descriptions and more –all with a focus on church administration – are invited to attend the third annual Parish Administrators Appreciation Luncheon and Training on Thursday, Sept. 3, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., in Quigley Hall at St. Michael’s, Orlando. Designed as a time of fellowship, collegiality and practical instruction, the luncheon will help equip parish administrators for the critical part they play in parish and diocesan life. There is no limit to the number a church can send; however, the diocesan staff requests that all those planning to attend RSVP by Monday, Aug. 24, to allow adequate preparation time. More information is available at this link; to register, contact Ms. Irene Safier in the diocesan office, isafier@cfdiocese.org or 407-423-3567 x300.

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb will greet those present and open the luncheon with his remarks. As diocesan bishop, he is keenly aware of the essential nature of their work.

“The parish administrators’ role is often one that operates quietly behind the scenes,” he said. “Yet, without their faithfulness, diligence and compassion, the life and ministry in our congregations simply wouldn’t be possible. They are the backbone of our church communities, ensuring that everything from our daily operations to our pastoral care runs smoothly.”

Those in attendance will enjoy a catered lunch and time of fellowship, and the Rev. Canon Dr. Dan Smith, canon to the ordinary, will present an overview of the day’s program, followed by Canon Sarah Caprani, the bishop’s chief of staff. She will introduce the other members of the diocesan staff, who will speak to their various areas of responsibility.

“We have a number of new parish administrators this year, along with some new members of the diocesan staff, so we are planning a ‘back to the basics’ approach to this year’s luncheon,” Caprani said. “We want to go over some of the frequently asked questions we receive because these are the topics that most concern those who work in parish administration.

“We also want to talk about the new cycle of our diocesan life: the November Diocesan Convention and what that means,” she continued. “Our annual Clergy Conference will now happen in the spring, and the deadlines have changed for various aspects of our work. We want to remind people of when parochial reports and audits are due. We also want to spend some time discussing Bishop Justin’s visits to churches: what to expect, how to best prepare, where to find the resources. As time allows, we’ll also take time for any questions people may have.”

Seventy people from 32 congregations attended last year’s event, also held at St. Michael’s. “St. Michael’s is a fantastic partner in this,” Caprani said. “They are so hospitable, and they just roll out the red carpet for us!”

“The Parish Administrators Appreciation Luncheon last year was a wonderful time for fellowship and learning,” said Meagan Feibelman, who attended as a parish administrator last year and now serves on the diocesan staff. “It was so nice to meet my counterparts in other churches in the diocese and put names to faces. I personally found the content very helpful, especially the overview of the new diocesan website and Convention registration page.

“I am excited to help put this event together with the diocesan team this year to celebrate the faithful work of the parish administrators in our diocese,” she said. “They are truly the glue that keeps things going at each church.”

Caprani agrees. “Every person on our staff, starting with the bishop, is beyond grateful for the organizational, pastoral, operational talents of our parish administrators,” she said. “This event is a fun time together, and it’s so wonderful for the parish administrators to have the opportunity to share ideas and exchange information. We don’t take this opportunity lightly, and we put a lot of planning into it. I compare this event to a Clergy Conference or even a Diocesan Convention in terms of its importance; our parish administrators are a true gift to us.

“It’s an honor to be able to offer this luncheon,” she added. “This is our way of showing how much the bishop and all of us here at the diocesan office appreciate the work our parish administrators do; in fact, we see them as an extension of our office. Each of our church offices is out spreading gospel, carrying out the vision of our bishop. That’s why it’s important to have a gathering like this, because the more connected we are, the better we can represent Christ out in the field every day.”

Find more information at this link; to register, contact Ms. Irene Safier in the diocesan office, isafier@cfdiocese.org or 407-423-3567 x300.