Two hundred delegates plus another 80+ guests gathered at Kanuga for our annual diocesan convention, November 11-13. Many describe convention as one part family reunion and one part block party. It is a chance for Episcopalians across WNC both to reconnect and make new friends and hear of work throughout the diocese.
A particular emphasis of this year’s convention was congregational vitality. Thursday evening began with an exercise in which those present answered two questions: What is happening in your congregations and in the diocese about which you are excited, which are going well? If money were no object, what additional things might we do in our congregations and diocese? Delegates and guests self-selected thematic groups in which they answered these questions. Thematic groups included: Small Parishes, Spiritual Formation, Stewardship Financial, Stewardship Environmental, Connecting People of the Diocese, Youth and Camp Henry, College and Young Adults, and Justice and Outreach. Hearing the group reports on Friday morning was very energizing as those present heard of vital life and ministry throughout the diocese.
A second focus on congregational vitality came through our guest speaker, The Rev. Jim Lemler, former Dean of General Seminary, former Director of Mission for the Episcopal Church, and currently Priest in Charge Christ Church, Greenwich, CT. In two presentations which are available on the diocesan website and the online version of the Connection, Lemler described the values, practices and markings of congregations with vital, vibrant life. He offered research on congregational life cycles of birth, growth, maturity, decline and death. Congregations who chose to examine their life in stages of maturity rather than simply ‘riding the wave’ of ‘good times’ have the potential of avoiding decline and death. In a “Strong Church Index” Lemler listed eight characteristics of vital congregations: Mission Clarity, Spiritual Transformation, Awareness of Context and Congregational Dynamics, Learning Opportunities, Evangelism: Plans and Actions of Welcome, Transformational Worship and Preaching, Lay and Clergy Leadership Development, and Dealing Directly with Conflict. He stated no congregation is perfect in all areas and that work in all is also possible.
In his convention address, Bishop Taylor spoke of the need for continual growth in the diocese and the need for congregational collaboration and connection across the diocese. He also spoke of the legacy of the diocese and the need to retire the Lake Logan debt in order to free up new energy and vitality which is currently drawn toward the debt. He called on the diocese to deepen our work of reconciliation in the world.
Verbal reports to convention included Robbin Whittington reporting on the Center for Spiritual Resources, Brian Cole reporting on the companion diocese relationship and Todd Donatelli reporting on the work of Repairing the Breach. Persons elected to offices included Robin Boylan to the Diocesan Trustees (oversight of diocesan properties), Rob Newcomer to the Executive Committee (the “vestry” of the diocese), Brian Cole as delegate to General Convention and Jack Parsons being appointed to Fiscal Ministries (the finance committee of the diocese).
All persons are welcome to attend any and all parts of diocesan conventions. It is an opportunity to see, hear and be reminded of our common life across this diocese.