| The East Tennessee Episcopalian | March 2002 |
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Theme
of 18th Annual Convention of the Diocese: by Pam Doty
Bishop vonRosenberg emphasized that, as churches and as a diocese, we need to “look outside our older models” and prayerfully, openly and carefully consider stewardship of our resources. Throughout the Convention, fulfilling the mission of the church found new avenues -- working with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, establishing a companion relationship with the Episcopal Diocese of South Dakota, developing the Diocesan Camp and Retreat Center, and providing support for seminarians and campus ministries. These endeavors were highlighted by speakers and by the actions of Convention. Pastor Paul Kehnle, representing Bishop Ron Warren of the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA, spoke at Evening Prayer on Friday evening. The Rev. Dr. Martin Brokenleg of the Diocese of South Dakota spoke eloquently of the “human presence” he desired to experience in a companion diocese relationship at the closing Eucharist. Convention delegates heard from the campus ministries in Chattanooga, Knoxville and Johnson City. They heard from the seminarians of East Tennessee. Over lunch on Saturday, delegates and guests heard architect Kent Cooper describe his vision for the Camp and Retreat Center which was also officially named “Grace Point” at this convention. Following lunch, participants were able to share their own ideas for carrying out the mission of the church through the resource of Grace Point. Several resolutions on the Canons of the Church were passed by Convention, most notably one which eliminates the distinction between “missions” and “parishes.” A budget of $1,718,131 was adopted for 2002. The Convention passed a revised form of Resolution #3 on Hate Crimes. At the insistence of representatives of the Youth Action Council, the resolution was brought to the delegates with the provision that the Diocese itself act to prevent Hate Crimes as opposed to simply urging the government to pass the bipartisan Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Convention business ended with an invitation to the Diocese to come to Chattanooga for the 19th Convention of the Diocese of East Tennessee issued on behalf of the area’s churches by co-chairs Mr. Jim Frierson and the Rev. Margaret Marshall. The following individuals were elected to serve the Diocese during Convention in Knoxville February 8-10, 2002. General Convention Deputies The Rev. Dan Matthew, The Rev. Suzanne Smitherman The Rev. Frank Cooper Clergy Deputies Alternates: The Rev. Susanna Metz The Rev. Phil Purser The Rev. Carter Paden Lay Deputies: Richard Govan Ms. Lynn Schmissrauter James Shearouse Alternates: Dr. Ed Cahill Linda Dietrich Standing Committee The Rev. Stephen Askew Clery Trustee, University of the South Bishop and Council Molly Pratt Janice Hayes The Rev. Carter Paden The Rev. Martha Sterne (3 years) The Rev. Alex Barron (1 year) Pam Doty is Editor of The East Tennessee Epsicopalian. |
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Home · Staff & Officers · Parishes · Youth · Calendar · Program · Bookshop Newspaper · Sermons · EFM · Legacy Society · Canons · BCP · Links The Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee The Right Reverend Charles G. vonRosenberg, Bishop 401 Cumberland Ave. |
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david@etdiocese.net www.etdiocese.net |