I have always been a bit of a church nerd. I’m sure that doesn’t come as a surprise given my vocation! From the time I was 12 or 13 I have attended diocesan conventions. I really can’t think of many that I have missed in the time since, even traveling back to Central PA for one or two of the conventions I was in seminary for. On top of that, I have attended at least a part of four General Conventions of the Episcopal Church, and will attend next year’s General Convention as an alternate deputy from this diocese. I have been at both of the most recent investitures of the Presiding Bishop at the Washington National Cathedral (Bishops Griswold and Jefferts Schori). I’ve also been to three national youth events, a national college gathering, and several Provincial meetings. I spent almost a month at Canterbury Cathedral one summer in seminary as a part of the Anglican Scholars program. …and I have enjoyed every single opportunity on this list. Yep, I am a helpless church nerd.

My first full Diocesan Convention in the Diocese of GA wrapped up this past weekend.

Although there was a one-day mini-convention in the fall, the previous Diocesan Convention was held the spring before I arrived. This most recent convention was a wonderful occasion, not for the volume of work we accomplished, but because it is always wonderful to gather with our brother and sister Episcopalians. We’re not Congregationalists, but part of a world-wide communion that has a standing at the national and diocesan level, and whenever I am reminded of that it brings me great joy. I love to worship in big crowds of Episcopalians, and generally speaking, the type of person who goes to large church gatherings is not a shy worshipper. We sing confidently, pray resolutely, and pass the peace with great gusto!

This convention was no different. I always enjoy getting to meet other Episcopalians, to learn about how they live out their faith, and both sharing and learning about new ideas for mission. This convention was just such a sort of gathering. Since few of us actually got to attend (notice I didn’t say HAD to attend!), I want to share with you some of the best parts of the convention. Below you can find links to our Bishop’s address to the Convention, Canon Logue’s mission presentation, and a series of videos that highlight mission around the diocese.

I commend the Bishop's Address to you, which you can find HERE.

I think you will also like Canon Logue's Mission presentation, which you can read HERE.

In addition, the convention also showcased six videos highlighting missional efforts around the diocese. I commend all six to you, although you will notice that one is about St. Athanasius' food pantry and features several Christ Church folks. Also, some of you will appreciate the heartfelt nostalgia in the Honey Creek video. You can find all the videos HERE.

For some photos from convention and links to the resolutions at this convention, go HERE.

Thank you to the Paul and Annabelle Salter and to Mary Helen Moses for their service to our congregation. Please speak with any of the clergy or our lay delegates if you have questions or want to know more about convention.

In Peace,

Tom+

O God, by your grace you have called us in this Diocese to a goodly fellowship of faith. Bless our Bishop, Scott, and other clergy, and all our people. Grant that your Word may be truly preached and truly heard, your Sacraments faithfully administered and faithfully received. By your Spirit, fashion in our lives according to the example of your Son, and grant that we may show the power of your love to all among whom we live; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.