135th CONVENTION REPORT
DIOCESE OF WESTERN MICHIGAN
April 24-25, 2009
There was a sense of community as we gathered at the Radisson in Kalamazoo for the 135th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan. The spirit was outgoing, friendly, thankful and hopeful. The Bishop was happy! For the last five years or more we have felt the presence of un-trust, and concerns regarding the Diocesan financial issues. This year we saw new young priests, a wonderful and active youth presence and parishes stepping up to the plate.
We voted on several resolutions that will focus our energies on mission. One resolution provides for an annual Mission Conference in order to determine diocesan mission destinations, choose Project Leaders, identify a Diocesan Coordinator for each Project, and to do Project Planning. Another resolution was introduced and passed to establish a relationship with the Episcopal Diocese of the Dominican Republic in cooperation with the Diocese of Western Michigan, the Diocese of Michigan and the Eastern Michigan Diocese.
We also approved support for two resolutions to be voted upon at General Convention later this year. The first is a resolution to continue a Church Wide Task Force on Older Adult Ministries, with funding appropriate to the project. The second resolution recommends adding, on a trial basis, a new Feast Day for Saints Andronicus and Junia, two Apostles mentioned in Romans 16:7 and venerated for over 1400 years in Eastern Orthodoxy and for over three decades in Anglican churches in the U.S.A. and Canada.
All but one resolution passed with total affirmation. The one resolution that created much discussion was one asking that confirmation, reception and reaffirmation be brought back to the person’s home parish rather than done by deanery convocation. This brought many to the microphone, but our youth, probably the newest and youngest confirmed Episcopalians, stood and voiced their overwhelming support of the deanery confirmation. Our own Selena Brown spoke to that and mentioned that she knows she has the love and support of her own family and parish but that meeting and sharing this very special occasion outside our parish has opened her mind to new friendships and opened her eyes to the greater community.
The Bishops message was a challenge to all of us to begin seeing with “COMMUNITY EYES”. He asks us to look beyond ourselves, our family, our parish, our diocese, to see the global community. We need to “feel the pain and see the needs of the whole body of Christ”. Less focus on our wants and more focus on the needs of other.” He mentioned his trip to the Dominican Republic as he had with us at Easter. This was a life changing event for him and he wants us all to have that same experience and opportunity to see with “COMMUNITY EYES”.
The budget passed with only questions regarding clarification. 32 out of 57 parishes are giving their apportionment. We have some parishes struggling financially. The diocese is actively involved with each one to help. The diocesan budget included some cuts which are tough. The budget, like ours now at Trinity, is a true presentation of our financial situation and we will operate within the budget.
As always in the Anglican/ Episcopal tradition, morning and noonday service, the evening compline and the Saturday Eucharist at St Luke’s were beautiful and inspiring. We were reminded continually of the presence of the Holy Spirit as we VISION the future of the Episcopal Church and what it means to be a KINGDOM of GOD’S PEOPLE.
For further information or questions, feel free to contact either of us.
Your Diocesan Delegates-Debbie and Ivan Egnatuk.