Reflections of a 'First Timer' and Applications for the Parish

Gretchen S. Jordan, Convention Visitor and Christian Education Director

The circuits were open and the connection of spirit energy registered at 150 watts as I walked through the doors of Showplace in High Point on the opening night of the diocesan convention earlier this month. While I anticipated knowing very few people, the smiles and nods of inclusion and welcome throughout the three days confirmed that I was part of this great faith family called Episcopalians!

Clearly there was diversity - male and female; youth, middlers, and sages; Afro-Americans, Spanish speaking brothers and sisters, Caucasians; laity and clergy; blue collar and white collar workers; retirees and unemployed; conservative, moderate, liberal, and a mix in-between; heterosexual and homosexual - but we were one in God's amazing grace and love. And that spirit pervaded every gathering. The tone of respect and openness postured us toward reconciliation and understanding.

Bishops Curry and Gloster were at their finest with stimulating, inspiring, provoking, and challenging messages. A highlight for me was to be in the company of Dr. Horace Boyer, General Editor of Lift Every Voice and Sing. Not only is this man a gifted musician but a deeply spiritual presence. He led us in stirring music both from The Hymnal 1982 and Lift Every Voice and Sing. The variety of music was wonderful. I loved hearing Episcopalians sing the spiritual 'Sweet, Holy Spirit" in contrast to the robust singing of "Lift High the Cross" and "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee," favorite hymns from our tradition. These were along-side some new hymns like "Taste and See" and "I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light." Worship grounded us morning, noon, and evening for the work we were called to do.

Reports from the diocesan committees provided me with a new level of understanding of the denomination and expansive work being done throughout the diocese and beyond. Our own Lisa Fischbeck, Chairwoman of the Mission Implementation Committee of the Diocese, gave a review of the work the subcommittees have done over the past year to guide the local parishes in putting into action the mandates of the mission statement adopted in 2003. The mandates for expansion and emphasis in Christian Education and ministry to young adults is of particular interest to me and I hope to share many of the recommendations with you over the coming months and begin conversations on how we can implement them within the parish.

I left feeling tired, yet renewed with many ideas rolling around in my head. Bishop Curry continued his theme of evangelism, and I ponder how we might be a more welcoming, affirming place where everyone who enters our doors will be greeted with welcoming nods and smiles. He talked about the needs of the world and our commitment to be Christ's hands in it, and I ponder how we teach about stewardship of time and talents and involve people of all ages in some outreach ministry. He challenged us to place the gospel in the center of our lives, engaging in study of and reflection on the scriptures using a model of study called Gospel Based Discipleship. I wondered if we really could get committees, the vestry, Foyer Groups, Episcopal Campus Ministry, CrossTies, and other places where two or three are gathered to be about the work of the parish to make this a part of each meeting or gathering. The State of the Church report reflected that while the diocese has over 42,000 communicants on the rolls the average attendance at Sunday services is under 17,000. I wondered if our numbers reflect this, and I ponder if we might want to evangelize our own. Funds are down in the diocese and in our own budget for the work of ministry in 2004, and I ponder if we understand stewardship as giving back to God in proportion to what we have been given. I look forward to our work together, to ponder in our hearts and minds these things, to learn from one another, to deepen our faith. I am proud to say I am the educator at Chapel of the Cross!