A word from our Bishop about convention... In just a few days we'll be gathering for the 34th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Western Louisiana. This year we will be meeting in Lafayette.
Our theme is "Playful God, Playful Church," but you'll have to wait for my opening sermon and my Convention Address to see what this focus means. The only hint I'll give is that we are taking up our focus on congregational vitality and moving some steps forward.
Once again we will be seated at round tables with people from different congregations. Visitors will be seated at tables as well. Even though only delegates have voice and vote, visitors can participate fully in workshops, hearings, and table discussions as well as worship and fellowship. I encourage delegations to bring interested visitors along!
Please look at our agenda carefully. The order for this year departs from previous years. Convention opens with business on Friday at 11:00 a.m. The opening Eucharist will be at 4:30 p.m. that same day at Ascension, Lafayette.
Notice also that there will be not only workshops (as detailed in last month's ALIVE!), but we have set time aside for hearings. In order to facilitate more detailed discussion and in order to expedite the proceedings of our plenary session, budget and resolution discussions will take place principally in hearings.
On our first day, I will introduce all those standing for election to our General Convention Deputation. If you wish to have discussion with them, please approach them individually. The next General Convention will be focused on the massive work of restructuring the Episcopal Church. This is exciting and challenging work, and it would perhaps be fruitful to discuss this matter with the various candidates.
Convention is more than a business meeting. It is a gathering of our spiritual family. We make new friends. Renew long-standing relationships. And refresh our common focus on God's mission. I can't wait to see you all there!
