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+ Convention Impressions
+ Parish Participation in the Diocese
+ Bishop Curry's Convocation Visit
Kim Sullivan, Delegate
The 186th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina was held in Charlotte from January 31 to February 2, 2002. It's theme, Toward A Missionary Diocese: Making Disciples, Making a Difference, focused on how we live into the Great Commission (Matthew 28: 19-20).
We all felt the energy and commitment reflected in the bishops' addresses and in the focus of convention on making disciples and making a difference. Before convention the clergy, lay delegates, alternates and spouses selected a project for Friday afternoon -- evangelism and outreach workshops, working on one of several Habitat for Humanity sites, or touring the Thompson Children's Home.
The preacher at the Friday night celebration of the Eucharist was Millard Fuller, co-founder of world-wide Habitat for Humanity, now in its 26th year.
Several of our delegation reflected that the Friday worship service was the most impressive and uplifting in many years of convention gatherings.
The diocesan youth who were too young to participate at a Habitat site created the most colorful, delightful birdhouses for each new Habitat homeowner.
A lasting memory is that of two dedicated 'signers' assisting the hearing impaired convention members. Our delegation had front row seats and could watch them signing the bishops' addresses, the hymns, and best of all the diocesan youth as they led us all in song.
We always have time for fellowship, and even for watching a little basketball!
Parish Participation in the Diocese
Representing the Chapel of the Cross at Diocesan Convention were clergy members Stephen Elkins-Williams, Victoria Jamieson-Drake, Stephen Stanley, Martha Hart, and Bill Joyner. Lay Delegates were Bob Chase, Peter DeSaix, Joe Ferrell, Kim Sullivan, Vivian Varner, Robert Wright. Alternates were Blanche Clark, Henry Clark, Bunnie Collura, and Laurie Gosnell. Jean DeSaix, Mary Brenda Joyner, Elizabeth Shows, and the Johnson Interns completed the Chapel of the Cross contingent.
In addition to convention participation, members of the Chapel of the Cross are involved in many aspects of the life of the Diocese. The following information gives some inkling of this involvement.
Elections were held for several Diocesan positions during the convention. Joe Ferrell was elected lay deputy to General Convention. Having just completed a term as presiding officer, Vicky Jamieson-Drake was re-elected to another term on the Summit Board. Peter DeSaix was elected as Trustee of the University of the South (Sewanee).
In addition to those elected this year, Stephen Elkins-Williams continues his term on the Standing Committee of the Diocese. Stephen Stanley is the Diocesan Officer for Inter-Faith Relations, Tammy Lee serves as Chair of the Bishop's Committee on Clergy Wellness. Martha Hart serves as Secretary and Bill Joyner as Chair of the Bishop's Committee on the Diaconate.
Our clergy are not the only representatives of the Chapel of the Cross serving in the diocese. Robert Wright has just completed a term on Diocesan Council during which he chaired the Budget Department and is the newly appointed Diocesan Treasurer. Joe Ferrell is the immediate past-president of the Standing Committee. Bob Chase, Meredith Soles and Don Stedman serve on the Chartered Committee on Ministry in Higher Education. Ted Vaden and Vivian Varner serve on the Chartered Committee on Communications. Fred Irons serves on the Bishop's Committee on Clergy Wellness. Boone Turchi is a member of the Special Commission on Mission Strategy, and Lonnie London is a member of the Historic Church Commission of St. Mary's, Orange County.
A quick look around the convention floor and through convention records shows nearly a dozen clergy members currently serving in the diocese who were presented for ordination through the Chapel of the Cross.
The 187th convention of the Diocese is scheduled for January 23-25, 2003, in the Research Triangle Park. Plan to come and see your Diocese in action.
Bishop Curry's Convocation Visit
On January 16, as a part of a three-day visit to the Durham Convocation (of which the Chapel of the Cross is a part) Bishop Curry spent an evening at the Chapel of the Cross. He met with students of the campus ministry programs at UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke, North Carolina State University, and St. Augustine's College. During the evening, Bishop Curry led a service commissioning the work of the students' spring mission trips. Two students share their impressions of the Bishop's visit.
Sophomore Ben Garren: The most moving part of the entire visit was the fact that it was palpable how much the bishop cared about the campus ministries. Not just in their mission trips over spring break but in the campus ministries themselves. He truly wished to know what the students found special about the Episcopal Campus Ministry at the Chapel of the Cross and its sister institutions. He left me with a sense that he had faith in what we, as a group, can do for each other and those around us through the love of Christ. Being able to hear and feel that from the Bishop of our Diocese was an added pillar for the foundation of the mission trips that the Episcopal Campus Ministries are embarking upon.
Amy Auth: I had a wonderful time at the fellowship supper before Bishop Curry's commissioning of the spring mission trips. It was a real treat to meet with students from the campus ministries at Duke, NC State, and St. Augustine's College. I can honestly say that I never thought I would see such bitter rivals get along so well! The common goal to help others in need through mission work brought us all together. One of my favorite memories of the supper was being reunited with students from NC State and St. Augustine's College that I went on the spring break pilgrimage to England with last year. At the beginning of that trip most of us were strangers. However, over the course of nine days we shared in an amazing spiritual growth and built bonds that I am certain will evolve into lifelong friendships. I am hoping to have a similar experience on the Barbados trip.
In addition to his time with Episcopal Campus Ministry students, Bishop Curry also met with Episcopal Youth Community members for Bible study and with rectors and wardens of the parishes in the convocation. His visit to the Durham Convocation culminated in a service of Evening Prayer at the Hayti Center in Durham.
© 2002: Chapel of the Cross
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